This may be a long post so you have been warned Over the last 10 days or more of what was known as “Dwightmare 3” I noticed something quite peculiar about it all. There was one particular “news” outlet that was perpetuating the appearance that Howard was going to drag this out for as long as he wished. Many of the posters here – long time ones – felt the same way. Go ahead and look back in the now legendary Howard thread and go through there is an abundance of posts that had the tune of “he better not wait until July 10th” or “this could go on all summer long – I cant take it” What made us believe that Howard would take a long time to make his decision? Granted his history would give a lot of credibility to that belief, but one thing that people, especially those in the public eye, try not to do is repeat the same mistake over and over. If Dwight was the type to go back and forth those closest to him, his agent, manager friends etc. would make sure that he would not make the same mistake again. Objectively let us quickly go over the sequence of events for Dwight’s 2013 free agency July “1st” – Met with Rockets late Sunday night and then Monday met with the Hawks and Warriors July 2nd – Met with Mavericks and Lakers July 3rd-4th – Retreated to Colorado to make up his mind on where to sign/be traded to July 5th – Called teams up and told them he decided not to play there. Flew to LA to let the Lakers brass know in person and made his announcement to join the Houston Rockets. That’s it – five full days to make one of the biggest decisions of his young career and life. Very few of us have probably had to ever make a decision of this magnitude in our lives and we wouldn’t have the public eye on us during that time. Compare that to LeBron’s decision which was announced on July 8th – Dwight announced his a lot quicker and handled it quite professionally. But why is Bristol then screaming bloody murder! This guy is a waffler – he flip flops more than a fish out of water and so on and so on? Here are some quotes from the Bristol Brigade : <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>First surprise of week on Dwight front: Sources say Golden State made real impression on Howard in their meeting and have become a factor</p>— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/statuses/352496774142902273">July 3, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Then later we see this <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA">@ESPNNBA</a>: Warriors trying to clear cap space to sign Dwight Howard outright, via <a href="https://twitter.com/WindhorstESPN">@WindhorstESPN</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine">@ESPNSteinLine</a>: <a href="http://t.co/KwthXsLcGs">http://t.co/KwthXsLcGs</a></p>— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/statuses/352927213831716864">July 4, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> As explained by many on this board previously – if this was truly the case the Warriors would have had to shed over 30 million dollars in expiring contracts in a matter of a few days. For the Warriors to drop all those contracts they would have to trade away several first round picks and possibly one of their young guns in Barnes or Thompson. Possible? Yes. Probable? Most certainly not. But now the Warriors are in play all of a sudden? When everything leading up to the free agency period just screamed Lakers and Rockets – it was now ESPN remember who added in the Mavs and now they are pushing the Warriors. To a point where it became a good thing for the Lakers to trade with a division rival <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Story w/<a href="https://twitter.com/ramonashelburne">@ramonashelburne</a>, via ESPN sources, has Lakers conceding for first time sign-and-trades must be considered if Dwight indeed bolts</p>— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/statuses/353017293384581121">July 5, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> First off Warriors moved the contracts and picks for Iggy it turned out (side note: any doubt who Mark Jackson’s insider source on the Nuggets was during the playoffs now?) if they knew they were truly in the running for Dwight they wouldn’t have sent out the picks in the way they did. Why would Stein, Broussard and Co try to start trumping all these other scenarios which only ESPN and their affiliates are reporting? When did ESPN get a monopoly on sources that only they and no one else knew? Yahoo and USA Today were remarkably quiet on this whole front (unless you consider Alex Kennedy also USA today and he just stole what ESPN said) It quite simple really – the money – ESPN has three forms of media – TV, Radio and the web to reach its audience. The NBA does free agency like no other league and from now until late August when the NFL starts coming back around there is just primarily baseball and nascar. While there is a large following for both sports they do not generate as much revenue as the NFL and the NBA do via the 3 mediums. ESPN needed to drag this out for their own good, they needed to be able to keep their audience involved. What better way than to manufacture drama on their own and keep ratings and web hits up? Living out in LA it was incredible hearing everything on the radio here – “multiple sources” say Warriors are now the favorite and so on and so on. When Dwight made his decision and wanted to do the professional thing in flying to LA and thanking the Lakers in person we all saw this come out <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/WindhorstESPN">@WindhorstESPN</a>: Rockets center Omer Asik has no interest in backing up or playing next Dwight Howard, sources say. Could force trade</p>— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/statuses/353284449129078784">July 5, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> The smear job has started. Asik may not want to be a backup again – but everything about the guy over the last season was professional and he was one of the softest spoken guys in the locker room. To have ESPN run this story right after Sam Amick broke the story was comical. It was like they had it ready to go to start the picture of Howard causing issues in Houston already. Now we need to try to create more controversy: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/ramonashelburne">@ramonashelburne</a>: Chris Broussard reports to <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter">@SportsCenter</a> that Dwight Howard is waffling. "Hey, he's Dwight." source says</p>— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/statuses/353328834759770113">July 6, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Watching this car crash unfold must feel like another championship to LeBron James. We might not even talk about The Decision after this</p>— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/statuses/353334449301237760">July 6, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> “The Decision” took longer than Dwight’s and was very poorly handled. Again all these pieces were all solely pushed out by ESPN and don’t expect them to stop anytime soon either. Of course all of this “50/50 he is flying back to LA 50/50” was put to rest by Adrian Wojnarowski <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Dwight Howard's plan was always to meet with the Lakers a final time and tell MItch Kupchak of his decision.</p>— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/353340495684055043">July 6, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Dwight Howard – and in turn the Rockets – are going to be attacked in the “media” constantly by ESPN from now on. Why – again it’s the money. ESPN.LA is a huge money maker for them – they only have 4 such pockets in the country solely because of certain teams. In Dallas its because of the Cowboys, New York – Yankees and Knicks, Chicago the Bears and Bulls – in LA its because of the Lakers. Dwight Howard was supposed to be the bridge from the Kobe era into the new era for the Lakers. The star that ESPN.LA could build off of and make millions of dollars on. Chris Paul is nice and all but he isn’t a Laker and more importantly he isn’t as camera friendly as Dwight is. By leaving the Lakers the financial impact levied to ESPN is going to be large – that’s how much power these superstar athletes command. When LeBron left Cleveland he was going from a small town to a larger market in Miami – same with Bosh. These were good things for ESPN and if Miami keeps winning they may have an ESPN.Florida soon. But the purpose is clear now – Dwight left LA – he left us – we are going to ride him and make it so that that image of him is that he is a quitter, fearful of the big stage etc. etc. I mean look at some of the hit pieces put out by ESPN in comparison to what Woj wrote last night <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>ICYMI last night, <a href="https://twitter.com/jadande">@jadande</a> on Dwight Howard's custard duck. lol <a href="http://t.co/LSJtSDUII4">http://t.co/LSJtSDUII4</a></p>— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ramonashelburne/statuses/353633592972296195">July 6, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Shaq on Dwight, from our interview: "Whenever you feel pressure you have to face it. It seems to me he keeps running."</p>— George Diaz (@georgediaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/georgediaz/statuses/353630816527585282">July 6, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> This guy isn’t from LA but was retweeted by ESPN.LA reporter and also asking Shaq is just pandering to get more Dwight slander. Shaq is as sensitive as they come – for him Dwight leaving was by far the best case scenario. Dwight has been chided and derided by Shaq since he came into the league. Dwight may not have won 3 championships like Shaq did but if he won 1-2 while being the more loveable guy – the city of LA would have forgotten about Shaq (most of them already have) and heaped praise on Dwight. That would destroy Shaq’s ego – this way he can put on the front of “You can do what I did in LA” while continuing to slam Dwight. Noted ESPN contributer Bill Plaschke wrote the following in the La Times: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Dwight Howard's departure is best for all concerned <a href="http://t.co/v9rC1cFs49">http://t.co/v9rC1cFs49</a></p>— Bill Plaschke (@BillPlaschke) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillPlaschke/statuses/353354170100752386">July 6, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Now you may think well its only ESPN doing this – well yeah it is only ESPN but for better or for worse they are the biggest player in this game and they can control it in various ways. ESPN makes or breaks stars – the only way around is to win and win big. Much like how LeBron did it. One thing Rockets fans have complained about the last few seasons is the lack of national TV exposure – they will get it now with Howard and Harden (proven to be a big time player after his first season in Houston) but will it be good or bad? The announcers will probably be impartial but the pre and post game chatter? All slamming Dwight and the Rockets – even more so if the team gets off to a slow start. So what does all that mean to us as Rockets fans? A lot - judging from the Dwight thread way too many people believe what was being said and didnt look at facts and circumstances that were there. Just because its ESPN or Yahoo or CNN reporting doesnt make it 100% true. All of these BUSINESSES have a specific purpose - do what it takes to make money. Sometimes we dont know all the facts of course and rely on these outlets to provide them - but other times just simply working out logic would paint a much clearer picture. I am trying state this because this will just be the tip of the iceberg - What Dwight Howard did is quite remarkable (though he kept with my belief of 'players will always go where the money is first') if he wins championships in Houston he may become responsible for a start of a new culture - if he doesn't he will be a footnote - heck it may even impact his Hall of Fame chances. A bold move that we as Rockets fans pray will pay off - there is no reason to believe it wouldn't -- unless you believe what that Bristol network believes. So accept that the hate has started and is coming - heck even embrace it. Just don’t buy into it TL;DR Spoiler
Great post! Typical media is typical. Especially as it concerns ESPN's 'LA Branch.' Adande will be particularly butt hurt along with Shelburne. Stein is a Dallas guy. So again Cuban 'wiffs' and Stein muckrakes. Thing with the media is....."consider the source." Consider the "angle."
Wonderfully written and spot on, IMO. Nearly all modern media embraces a business model where distortion and manipulation are two adjustable inputs towards maximizing viewer engagement and network profit. Integrity is no longer an input, at all. That never influences the quarterly earnings.
Great post. I think you dissected the ESPN angle perfectly. I really don't have a lot of respect for ESPN and the Basketball media in general. Just so happy I got Clutch Fans.
As long as Dwight understands that the press is rooting for him to fail, I think it will be a huge motivation for him. And Harden is going to make certain teams pay for their smear job.
Great post, of which I mostly agree. However, I'll add one thing to it, somewhat unrelated to the LA angle: CHRIS BROUSSARD SUCKS. The guy is a mockery of journalism. He allows himself to be whored out to puppet whatever nonsense a player or his agent wants in the public domain, and he does it without the slightest bit of questioning. Remember the report on draft day on how Dallas was a "slight frontrunner", due to Howard having concerns over Houston's playing style? That was the biggest ****ing bull**** and you could spot it from a mile away. Uh, Houston's best offensive post presence was Omer Asik. What else are they supposed to do, besides play from the perimeter? And the coach is Kevin McHale, one of the best bigs in NBA history. Somehow it seems doubtful that he doesn't appreciate a good offensive center. It was either A) someone from Howard's camp trying to push him to Dallas/do Cuban a favor, or B) a way to conceal Dwight's true intentions. It sure as hell wasn't true, and anyone with an ounce of common sense could spot it. But Broussard and guys like him allow themselves to be used, since it generates clicks and interest. Then, at the end of the day, columnists at ESPN act like there are all these inconsistencies, when in reality the problem is that the reporting methodology was flawed all along. The bottom line is that there are true journalists like Woj and Amick, and there are Bleacher Report-wannabe click whores. Broussard is in the latter category, a few others at ESPN dabble in it, and they created their own controversy by buying the nonsense. The best thing we can do is continue to spread the word/links of the good guys, and hope it eventually catches on.
I hope they don't conspire to plant cocaine in Lin and Parsons locker rooms. I do admit. LA has better rappers historically than houston TNT > espn
Excellent post. From the beginning ESPN was saying Dwight is going to Brooklyn and everyone knew it was bull****. They just wanted ESPN NY to tap that Brooklyn market. After that window was closed and locked they were happy he ended up in LA. I remember it was LA, Dallas, LA, GSW. It pissed me off when people said Dallas, it made absolutely no sense for Dwight. I think they realized he was not returning to LA, so they fabricated the Warriors (which made the least sense financially for Dwight) stories to get him in Oakland, CA. I remember saying I think we will find out in the next 24-48 hours on Wednesday night, and many were saying it could go past the weekend. I thought Dwight was getting tired of this whole indecision thing put out by the media, so he would make it sooner. Oh and, you must spread rep...
Great Post. This is exactly how i feel about ESPN. I hate the fact that they can monopolize the sports channel industry. If they had decent competition they would be forced to only use reliable journalist.
it's not that we took dwight from LA. It's that we attacked the bandwagon. Laker fans are everywhere because LA attracts the transient fan. Spreading talent across the NBA, as opposed to say having LA and Boston powerhouses, threatens the current model which is to cater all stories through the prism of the national brand. When you look at ESPN's coverage after the decision, it was mostly about how crazy dwight is and what does it mean for LA. When I learned about clutchfans in 2008, it was like a breath of fresh air because I finally had an outlet that had a community that wasn't immersed in a national scene. My conclusion has come to trusting local guys and a few yahoo guys on twitter for my information that isn't tainted with bias. This coverage makes the point to never trust the people of ESPN because they don't care about the news. They care about the traffic. To get back at them, avoid using their services.
Well written. Amazing how media members continue to twist stories to suit their own sense of the what's newsworthy and how to present it. Muckraking and favoritism.
I've been thinking the same thing. I even had to rationalize o my sister in law who has no NBA or basketball love at all why he would ever leave the lakers. THen as a follow up she asks do you think he will change his mind before he signs. Seriously? Even non fans are forced to buy into what is spewed by ESPN because that is the only place they hear about sports. You would think comin from a small city like Cincinnati I would be used to it but I guess I am just continually surprised at the coastal bias
Completely agree...I just cant believe that they immediately dragged Asik thru mud right after the trade... Did you also notice how they mentioned that Dwight can be a FA in 2016???we havent even had a chance to see him play in a Rockets uniform. And yes...its all about money. The NBA's most storied franchises cant lose to a team/city like Houston. It just doesnt make sense. For them, we have money, we have women, we have weather, and we have a championship history...Those were the selling points for the Lakers...Infact, many have said this very thing: "Dwight shouldn't be chased around by the Lakers, Dwight should be wanting to stay in Hollywood." This is where the Houston media has to step up their game. Any false reports should immediately be scrutinized and called out. It is time to punish "false media reports." If there is a false story that is posted by a LA or NY reporter, publicly call them out. Call out other media professional that consistently put out bad information.
Awesome post. You did an excellent job of articulating a lot of what mas been on my mind of late. There are a number of great take-aways in your writing. 1) The quality of journalism overall is pathetic. The need to be first on a scoop overrides responsibility. Rumors and whispers are reported through individual bias and recycled as fact. Restraint and judgement are seen as a handicap. The need to create and drive a story overrides objectivity and presents a distorted picture to the masses who are looking for any information they can get literally on a minute by minute basis. Those who perpetuate this distortion are rarely held accountable. 2) LA feels jilted and insulted. This is not only true of the fan base but also of the media there. They are bitter. Expect the hate to continue, and don't be surprised if LA media drives a new narrative that replaces the hatred many fans had for Miami with a new villain — the backwater, undeserving, hick town hellhole known as Houston. 3) My opinion of Howard last year was not very high. His handling of things with Orlando, SVG and his demands to go to Brooklyn left much to be desired. This year, however — and this is not contingent on the fact that he is now one of our own — I felt bad for the guy. Nothing about his actions this year justified the term Dwightmare II, yet many in the media and fans, including many on this board, were screaming for him to get this over with before it could even begin. He was damned as an indecisive diva before the moratorium was lifted, and was he credited with leaking information that turned out to be nothing more than media speculation and fabrication. Thanks again for your post, YOYO. Repped.
Great post, YoYo. Dwight's problems all stem from how he mis-handled the Stan VG fiasco. That created a picture of him that the media has been quick to first embrace and now perpetuate. It doesn't help that he doesn't seem to be very media-savvy to begin with. Still, Dwight has a perfect opportunity here to get a team deep into the playoffs, re-establish his reputation as a big-time superstar, and hopefully win a few rings. As LeBron has shown, success can erase mistakes and rebuild a player's image pretty quickly.
