I really do not know what to make of Dwight Howard.
Now before I launch into my rant, let me disclose the following: I’m not a fan of Dwight Howard.
I don’t think he wants “it” enough. I think he has the moxie of a mustard seed. And I think that even though he has very good career numbers (more on that in a minute), I just feel as though Howard could be more dominant.
Having said all of that, why a dude with Howard’s skills and body type keeps changes teams the way Michael Jackson changed noses is beyond me. It gives the impression that Howard is a big time scrub, which is not the case.
In fact, Howard had decent numbers last year. He averaged a double-double last season as a member of the Atlanta Hawks (13.5 points, 12.7 rebounds per game). He averaged over a block per game, which tells you he still brings it on the defensive end.
And by the way, Howard is averaging a high double-double for his career (17.5 points, 12.7 rebounds).
Yet this dude has been passed himself around the league like a used joint.
Howard forced his way out of Orlando to the Los Angeles Lakers. Then he took his free agent talents to Houston, and moved to Atlanta in what was perceived as a fresh start for him emotionally – not to mention his brand.
And just when we all thought that Howard has finally found some stability as an Atlanta Hawk, he was traded to the division rival Charlotte Hornets in what was essentially a salary dump.
Damn.
Now I don’t haven’t been in every locker room Howard has been a part of, so I don’t know what the hell the static surrounding him is about. However, where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
Keep in mind Howard not only forced his way out of Orlando where he was the face of the franchise, he also got his coach Stan Van Gundy fired.
There were reports that he and Kobe Bryant did not get along, mainly because Howard didn’t not take basketball as seriously as the Black Mamba. Ditto in Houston. Who the hell knows in Atlanta?
But a dude who averages a strong double-double and a three-time Defensive Player of the Year should not be moved around the league like this, let alone have his salary dumped onto a sorrier team.
Again, I’m not a fan, but I just don’t get the cloud hovering over this dude. I really don’t…
Categories: NBA
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