monosylab1k
12-09-2008, 03:58 PM
HOOPSWORLD WARNING:
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=10865
Howard On The Move?
Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle isn't talking about his starting lineup any more, and the top question being asked . . .and not answered . . .is about small forward Josh Howard. He missed a few games with an ankle sprain, but continues to sit out despite declaring himself ready to play. He's been practicing with the team, but he continues to be in streetclothes during games.
It's been suggested that they're keep Howard on the shelf because they have a deal in the works that would send him out of town. December 15th has been thrown around, which coincides with the date when Corey Maggette, for example, could be traded. The Mark Cuban/Don Nelson relationship aside, that trade solves a couple of mysteries at first glance.
First, it explains why the team traded Al Harrington for yet another shooting guard. Howard would fit in nicely at the three and Nellie already knows his game. Second, it solves the one spot the Mavericks haven't been able to fill for the past 3-4 seasons. Maggette would be the two for years to come, and he's someone the team has targeted in trade talks numerous times.
There are a couple of issues, though. First, it leaves a gaping hole at small forward for the Mavs. Since Howard has been out Carlisle has continuously lamented the impact his absence has on both ends of the court. Second, you have no one waiting in the wings to fill that three spot. At least the Mavs have some bodies to plug in at the two. Antoine Wright, Gerald Green, and JJ Barea have all played well at times, but if you trade Howard you don't have a good answer to replace him. You also have far too many twos.
In short, trading Josh Howard would seem to create more problems than it solves, even if you land the long-coveted Maggette in return. That said, if Howard continues to sit in streetclothes, the speculation that he could be on his way out will continue to grow.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=10865
Howard On The Move?
Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle isn't talking about his starting lineup any more, and the top question being asked . . .and not answered . . .is about small forward Josh Howard. He missed a few games with an ankle sprain, but continues to sit out despite declaring himself ready to play. He's been practicing with the team, but he continues to be in streetclothes during games.
It's been suggested that they're keep Howard on the shelf because they have a deal in the works that would send him out of town. December 15th has been thrown around, which coincides with the date when Corey Maggette, for example, could be traded. The Mark Cuban/Don Nelson relationship aside, that trade solves a couple of mysteries at first glance.
First, it explains why the team traded Al Harrington for yet another shooting guard. Howard would fit in nicely at the three and Nellie already knows his game. Second, it solves the one spot the Mavericks haven't been able to fill for the past 3-4 seasons. Maggette would be the two for years to come, and he's someone the team has targeted in trade talks numerous times.
There are a couple of issues, though. First, it leaves a gaping hole at small forward for the Mavs. Since Howard has been out Carlisle has continuously lamented the impact his absence has on both ends of the court. Second, you have no one waiting in the wings to fill that three spot. At least the Mavs have some bodies to plug in at the two. Antoine Wright, Gerald Green, and JJ Barea have all played well at times, but if you trade Howard you don't have a good answer to replace him. You also have far too many twos.
In short, trading Josh Howard would seem to create more problems than it solves, even if you land the long-coveted Maggette in return. That said, if Howard continues to sit in streetclothes, the speculation that he could be on his way out will continue to grow.