All Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard wanted to do was hold a free BBQ to prove he has no intention of leaving town. Instead, he continued to say things that leave the door open for an exit to Los Angeles, New York or another big market situation.
At the BBQ that was only promoted via Twitter, Howard spoke with the Orlando Sentinel about wanting to continue building something great with the Magic.
"I want to have my own path, and I want to start that here in Orlando," the superstar said, starting out his comments strongly. However, he quickly went back to the qualifications for staying.
"I can't do it alone. Not only do I need the right teammates, but I need the city behind me. That's the only way it's going to get done. We can change this small city that we have — this small market that we have — and we can make it a big market."
That sure sounds like Howard is still laying the ground work to take his talents away from Florida.
"As of right now, I'm a part of the Orlando Magic and I plan to be here," Howard said.
"And I want the Magic to do whatever they can to make sure that we can get our city behind us. That's the only thing that I want to happen: just to have the city behind me and the support of our fans. I never said I was leaving. I never, ever thought about leaving. That's basically where my head is right now. I never said anything to them [the Magic] about what my plans were because that's not what I'm focused on right now."
So Howard never said he was leaving, but only because he hasn't discussed his future with management?
Sure sounds a lot like 'Melodrama Part II.