Is Dwight Howard a Franchise Savior or Ruiner?

A unique presence both on and off the court, Dwight Howard has the ability to change a game for the better and a franchise for the worse.

Since losing in the finals in 2009, everything has gone downhill for Dwight and everyone associated with him.

He contributed to the downfall of the Orlando Magic, resulting in the firings of both head coach Stan Van Gundy and General Manager Otis Smith. Now he's in L.A., where the Lakers are experiencing one of the most humiliating seasons in their storied history.

When you acquire Dwight Howard, you acquire a new identity. He's not just some picture frame you can hang up to help spice up the living room. He's an entire wall unit that requires you to reorganize all the furniture prior to installation.

And if that wall unit is ugly, so is your living room.

And Dwight just happens to be on par with some of the most expensive wall units around. Is he worth it? Is he the guy you want to invest your future in?

Sometimes it looks like even he doesn't want to be that guy.

Think about the other "superstars" in the league, and how they approach each game. Kevin Durant looks like he's stuck in the Hunger Games when he takes the floor. Russell Westbrook appears willing to run through traffic just to get that W. These guys have that Liam Neeson look from Taken in their eyes when they suit up for battle.

Dwight Howard has that look of a kid a recess.



While the Thunder were in killer-instinct mode beating the pulp out of the Lakers, Dwight Howard was giggling on the bench like he was first row at a Louis C.K. show. At one point I thought he was going to order a drink from a cocktail waitress.

From a business standpoint, he's just doesn't seem like a guy you want to represent your company.

Not enough on-court production from Howard can justify the sacrifice and cost it takes to acquire him. Teammates have had to ch...

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