Dear Dwight

Dear Dwight,
You don't know me (yet) but I am a big fan. Okay, let's be honest-with the media blasting you've taken this last year, and the team uncertainty and the slightly unfilled expectations in LA-I may be your last fan. Me and your mom. But that's okay, I have the dedication of at least 10 fans, so statistically I should count as...I am not sure, there's probably a formula. Involving Greek letters and at least one square root, I am struggling in Statistics. Hopefully it's not on the test. But the point is, I love you, Dwight.  I support you, Dwight. I will cheer for whatever team you end up on, even if Dirk also plays on it. And you know how I feel about Dirk (You don't? Read more blogs. Tell your famous friends to read it too.)
I am dedicated, Dwight. I loved you through the media bashing last year when you went to the Lakers, who are my less than favourite team. (I don't like Kobe's smile, it creeps me out) I loved you when you were injured, when you didn't play well, when you wore that headband (we have all made poor accessory choices, it's okay. I once had blonde hair). And I love you now, while you are carefully choosing which team to play for in the future. The future is important, Dwight. I know, I am a (tiny) bit older than you. I have wisdom. And wisdom, they say, is the new sexy. Or maybe that's funny, funny is the new sexy. Or maybe it's short moms over 30 who like cupcakes are the new sexy. Yes, that's it.
I understand that sometimes what you think you want-or what everyone else wants for you, just doesn't work out. I know you care about your fan(s) and want to keep us (me) happy, but we just want you to be happy. And by we, I mean me. Most everyone else just wants you to bring them a championship and be fodder for their criticism (I see you, Jalen Rose)
The media says you have a lot of options for your future. I have heard (and by heard, I mean some guys from Twitter, who are generally well informed, told me) that even staying in LA is an option. Sometimes that is for the best, stay with what you know and make it work. Sometimes, though, you have to reinvent yourself. Maybe it's your time for reinvention, to try something new. Are you willing to work hard, Dwight? Because being something new takes hard work, harder than you have ever worked. It takes time and commitment and the dedication to a goal that may seem very far away. But if you are, even the hard work will feel right and worth it. The hard work will only make you want to keep working harder and be more successful. Trust me on this, I have some experience with reinvention.
Remember when you were in that Queen Latifah movie? The one about the NBA player (cough, cough) who ditches the skinny, super attractive model for the health care worker, technically Queen Latifah-who is gorgeous-who was playing the health care worker. (like say, a nurse) Acting was new for you, but your 2 minutes of screen time really made the whole movie. Trust me, I've seen it like 3 times. You sit on that couch like you were born to do it. It's never too late to learn something new, to improve on who you are. You know what would have made that movie even better? Let's say Queen Latifah had two kids....and I really believe she was a (tiny) bit older than that NBA player...

Don't be afraid, Dwight. Sometimes change can be scary, but we have to do what scares us a little if we really want something new. It's like free throws...Bad example. Repetition may be safe, but it doesn't always make you better and if LA isn't working for you, then move on. Of course some people will criticize you. Some people criticise everyone, they have a million ideas in their head-and they apply them to everyone, regardless of any differences. Don't let those people (haters, I believe they are called) bother you, they will be already judging and improving the next person before they even notice you are gone. Be your own person, find the best fit for you. Even if it's outside of what everyone expects, say a single mom instead of a NBA dancer, or beautiful actress. Wouldn't it be fun if that single mom is fascinated by tall people, and has a few questions (Do you have to special order pants? Is everything in your house giant sized, like in Alice in Wonderland, Would you please drive a smart car just so I can laugh?)  Maybe you could take her to a Justin Timberlake concert.
Sometimes we all miss what we are aiming for (I promise I am not bringing up free throws again. It was a general metaphor. Using the backboard is generally a good idea, just saying), but you are a strong rebounder. It's one of your best skills. I have faith in you that you will be a huge success wherever you go. I believe your new fans will love you-how could they not, I mean look at you...and your basketball skills. I believe some wise person has hidden the headbands, so you can start fresh. I think a great future lies ahead of you, Dwight. I think a great future lies ahead for both of us.