Rapid Reaction: D-12 to Houston

I think everyone knew that D-12 was going to Houston. I mean, the situation seemed absolutely perfect. We'll break down the signing piece by piece.

Monetary

Howard is expected to sign a 4 year $88 million contract. The contract also allows Howard to opt out in 2016. Now, compare that with the proposed deal offered by the Lakers, somewhere around 5 years and $120 million. The exact numbers are a little bit different, but this roughly characterizes the Laker deal. Some people may be wondering why Howard didn't choose to stay in LA and get paid over $100 million. Well, the LA deal spans FIVE years. Although Howard would be making more money in LA, he would also be staying an extra year. Also, Houston has no state income tax. California has an incredibly high state income tax. If you factor in the cost of living as well, then Houston seems like a no-brainer for Howard.

Basketball

Houston has a much younger core with Chandler Parsons (24), James Harden (23), Patrick Beverly (24), Jeremy Lin (24), and Greg Smith (22). Lin lost his starting job late into the season and might be traded, but still a solid young player. With Houston, Howard has a proven young superstar in James Harden. He will unquestionably become the number-one option. Howard will be surrounded by young, athletic players who will only get better. Contrast this situation to the one in LA. Howard would never surpass Kobe as the number-one option. Imagine Kobe Bryant deferring to Dwight Howard? Yeah, not happening. Additionally, Howard would be surrounded by an old team that struggles to guard perimeter players. Steve Nash, Metta World Peace, Kobe Bryant, and Pau Gasol are all pretty damn old. The Western Conference is stacked with athletic point guards (Russell Westbrook, Ty Lawson, Tony Parker, Mike Conley), and if your team cannot stay in front of these guards, then you will lose. The Lakers also have a system that would be terrible for Dwight. D'Antoni intends to use Dwight as a decoy. The problem is that Dwight is the best center in the league and needs to be the offensive focus. LA is just a bad fit for Dwight, and to be honest, both sides (LA and Dwight) will benefit from Dwight's departure.

Media

Houston is a large city, but media-wise, it's still considered a small market. On the other hand, LA is a monstrous market. In LA, Howard will be scrutinized, criticized, and maligned. He will face intense pressure to live up to the Laker big men of the past. Howard has made it clear that he wants to be loved and appreciated. He won't get that coddling in LA. Houston, however, will undoubtedly welcome Howard with open arms. Because he will be the team's most accomplished player, he will have no trouble earning the respect of his young teammates.

Conclusion: Howard made the decision that was right for him. While there will always be people criticizing his move from LA (ahem Shaq), they have no right to point fingers at Howard. Howard definitely didn't handle the pressure of playing in LA well, and he could have played with more heart and intensity. Hopefully Howard can return to form in Houston and show the league why he is the best center.