Loyalty was perhaps the over-riding factor in Orlando Magic and NBA All-Star player Dwight Howard’s decision to waive his early termination option and remain in Orlando for at least another season.
Speaking at a press conference Thursday, Howard talked a lot about how difficult his decision was and seemed to be relieved it is over… for now.
“It’s been very tough for me over the last few months to make a decision,” he said. “I have gone back and forth….we are talking about a career- changing event and most people won’t see that.” I always believe loyalty is before anything, he added.
Another consideration that went into his decision-making was his love for the city of Orlando. “I want this city to know that I love them, I love this team,” he said, at one point during the press conference.
Howard said he prayed constantly and was even fasting during this period, as he wrestled with making the decision, a deal that was inked less that one hour before the start of the 1:00 p.m. press conference.
Howard, who has flip-flopped over the past several months on whether or not to waive his opt-out clause and stay in Orlando through the next season, has created not a little bit of resentment among many, including his fan base.
Like Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins and General Manager, Otis Smith, both of whom were present at the press conference, Howard said, he believes that there is a great opportunity for the Magic to win an NBA Championship. But he warned, “it will have to take everyone….from top to bottom… everybody has to have that same belief.”
For his part, Martins commended Howard for trusting the organization, saying “it’s commendable that Dwight has chosen loyalty over the other options he could have chosen.” This says a lot about the city, about the fans…we think the same of him and we have the same goals, he added.
Howard disputed that the atmosphere in the locker-room with his teammates wasn’t a good one.
“It’s been the best time for the team in the locker-room, as we have been able to bond and grow,” he said. “We always had each others’ backs and I want to commend these guys for playing basketball and sticking together.”
But what of loyalty over the long term?
Asked during question time what factors Howard might consider for a long-term contract, the superstar hedged saying, “When that time comes we will deal with it.”
“My goal is to win a championship. That’s the only thing that matters,” he said.
Again, what of the trade deadline in 2013?
“We just signed a document less than one hour ago,” Martins said. “Our plan for the immediate future is to win a championship.” Our goal is to get him (Howard) to sign a long term extension, he added.
So perhaps come spring 2013, the ‘Dwight Circus’ will begin again and that ever-lasting question, “Is he leaving?” will once again arise.
