Dwight Howard and Monta Ellis: Players in the spotlight despite of the Lockout – NBA Special Report
Despite of the NBA Lockout, there are teams that are contemplating to make some big moves this summer. The trade block that has emerged this off season, consists of some bug guns that can turn the fate of a reeling team and transform
them into a big threat.
On top of the list is the Orlando Magic’s big man Dwight Howard who has been associated with almost every team in the league that needs a centre, and believe me there are many out there. The 26 year old Howard is a man with extraordinary
talent and extra special strength, one that has no match in NBA. The three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and the leading rebounder and post scorer of the league has over the years, not only won millions of fans but has also drawn the praise of fellow
NBA stars.
Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett, who is himself one of the greatest big ever to grace the game and has been part of the All Star Defensive Team for a record nine times, said on Dwight, “[Howard] is a freak of nature,
man... I was nowhere near that physically talented. I wasn't that gifted, as far as body and physical presence."
However Howard is still without a ring.
After spending seven seasons with the Magic, Howard is pretty clear in his approach - he wants to be in a team where he is surrounded by decent players. If Orlando fails to gather a valuable supporting cast for Dwight, he will
shift his talents somewhere else where he can fulfil the dream of an NBA title.
Recently, the big man was linked with the New Jersey Nets. In an attempt to re-sign the All-Star Deron Williams, the Nets are in pursuit of landing Howard to convince Williams to stay in the team. The trade can be effective for
both of the players. Deron won’t even think of leaving New Jersey with Dwight to give company. William is a point guard and a good one at that; a player of his calibre will surely attract Howard. If that trade does happen, the Nets will surely become one
of the most formidable units in the league.
Another team that has been highly associated with Howard’s trade are the Los Angeles Lakers. The legendary Kobe Bryant is aging and he is not the player he used to be two to three years ago. In order to land more championships
and continue the legacy, the Lakers have been very keen to rope in Howard.
However, the only problem in this entire scenario is that Howard has given the Magic, one more year to prove themselves and their commitment towards landing a title. However, this is NBA and things can change pretty quickly here.
This though certainly isn’t the case with Monta Ellis.
The Golden State Warriors’ combo guard is another player who can be a valuable asset for any team. Initially, the franchise was denying that they are willing trade their scoring machine, however; later the team stated that a big
deal can push them to make a move.
Ellis can be a part of the Lakers in the next season if they fail to procure Dwight Howard. The Lakers were offensively marshalled by Bryant throughout the season and the rest of the players failed to show consistency on the offense.
Monta can fill the gap and more importantly, he will give the Lakers a super option at the point guard position. If the team can offer a decent proposal to the Golden State Warriors including a veteran player like Lamar Odom or Andrew Bynum this trade can
certainly be on the cards.
Then there are the Chicago Bulls, who desperately need to provide Derrick Rose some relief on the offense and if they can land Monta, the Bulls can certainly more formidable next season and perhaps might go on to clinch their first
title since the Michael Jordan era.
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