Be honest: Does this sound like a man who is confident that his franchise player is going to sign an extension in Orlando?

Which is why (Alex) Martins and the soon-to-be-named new general manager must get an answer from Dwight (Howard) by the draft. The Magic must begin the process of planning for the future — with Dwight or without him.

This is best thing for everybody involved — the Magic organization, Magic fans and Dwight, himself. If he wants to stay, then call a mega-news conference before the draft, make the big announcement, sign the extension and become a civic hero once again. If he wants to leave, make it as quick and painless as possible, say goodbye and leave.

This fiasco has been going on for far too long. Fans are disenchanted, teammates are in limbo, the organization is in disarray.

The draft is more than a month away.

It’s time to make a decision and move forward.

via Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel