One Too Many Technical Fouls: Team Leader Dwight Howard Places the Orlando Magic at Playoff Risk

Being a big man on the court should give a player like Dwight Howard a lot of cushion when it comes to dominating his defenders.  In most offensive scenarios, this would be the case but being a 6'11, 265 pound center sometimes works against him as well.

Could you imagine the mental and physical stamina that it may take to uphold the title of being an official NBA referee?  The NBA is a game if unstructured, could get really violent.  Three officials are in charge of running the calls that pertain to the actions that take place on the basketball court.  At the start of the 2010-2011 NBA season, many rules of the game were changed.  Each year, the referees get together to discuss the issues of their world on the court, the more complaints leads to voting, which then allows the NBA to consider a rules and regulation change pertaining to the issue.  One rule change that gave the referees a bit of a break against the coaches and players' outbursts, which was that of the technical foul.  As a result, excessive argument from a player or coach to the referee results in a technical foul, along with aggressive reaction to a foul and intentionally fouling a player with excessive force. 

 Everyone knows the presence of  Dwight a.k.a. Superman is a force to be reckoned with in the post position on the basketball court.  He leads his team in statistics by averaging 27 points and 10 rebounds per game, so without this force, many would see no purpose for the Orlando Magic franchise to be a threat leading into the playoffs.  This is exactly the way things would play out for the NBA All-Star.  For the second season in a row, Dwight Howard has led the NBA in technical fouls.  Last season, he was one foul away from being suspended for one game, as the season was nearing the playoffs.  This season, not so different.  Most recently, he received his 16th technical foul against the Chicago Bulls, which would cost him a hefty fine of $5,000, a one game suspension and and a loss for his team in their following game against the Portland Trailblazers.  It's been stated by Howard that the referees specifically have it out for him on the court but by assuming this, as a leader, shouldn't one be more careful about their actions?  If it places the franchise in jeopardy of losing a game or missing out on the playoffs, I would think so.  With knowing this information, what could have been an alternative result to the 16th technical foul made by star player Dwight Howard? 

 

References:

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First LeBron to Miami, A Trio Trade in Orlando and now the Knicks have Carmelo Anthony. What's Next?

Not only was his free agency a huge deal for all NBA teams but a few teams even made adjustments to their roster, in hopes that "The King" would join their franchise.  Teams such as the Chicago Bulls, The New York Knicks and the Miami Heat's doors were all opened for the NBA All-Star veteran.  Speculations of the LeBron James trade were made public in the Fall of 2010.   Nobody knew which team he would join but after weeks of keeping his coaching staff, teammates, and fans unaware of his tough decision; he chose to do a sign-and-trade with the Miami Heat. 

"This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown 'chosen one' sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And 'who' we would want them to grow up to become."  

These were the words of LeBron James' a.k.a. "King James" former franchise owner, once he found out that the two time MVP was leaving Cleveland for Miami.  

Ultimately, this was a huge victory for the Heat, which was able to keep their star Point Guard, Duane Wade and added along with James, Toronto's Chris Bosh.  Because of the James and Bosh trade, their actions were recorded as the most-celebrated free-agent period in league history.

Some may say that the trade between the Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards and the Phoenix Suns was a waste of player rotation.   The Magic were willing to dismiss All-Stars Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter to Washington, Marcin Gortat, Mikael Pietrus to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, and Earl Clark.  The trade was a result to a five straight game loss out of six but most feel the trade was a flop foe the Orlando Magic Franchise.  Hedo Turkoglu is a form Magic player, one of which who was with them as they made it to the NBA finals in 2009.  He's a solid defender and an outstanding offensive contributer.  

But how does this match-up intimidate any of the rival teams leading to the playoffs?  The Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat franchises both have NBA championships under their belts; this is something that the Magic franchise is working towards.

Dwight Howard, as the Magic's top draft pick in 2004 has been their prized player since then;  it will always be his show, every game night until someone consistently steps up to create points.
  

This would have to be the JACK of all trades this NBA season.  The trade, which included three teams, 12 players, three draft picks and $3 million.  

It was rumored that the four time All-Star would either go to the Chicago Bulls or even the LA Lakers.  Much like the LeBron James trade, this one came with a lot of media coverage and kept his fans anxious for a decision to be made.  Unlike the Lebron James trade, Carmelo's trade to the Knicks had a positive more accepting welcome, as he returned home, to play professional basketball in his place of birth.

Along with Anthony, the Knicks also acquired point guard Chauncey Billups, Sheldon Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman.  Do you smell an NBA championship or not?