why isn t dwight howard good anymore
He may no longer be in the elite class of centers yet Howard is a lead pipe lock for the Hall of Fame while having a strong case made to be ranked among the top 100 players in NBA history. The problem is that once he lost his athletiscm, he was no longer the same offensive threat on his own but he still demanded the ball on offense and pouted when he didn’t get his way. Getty Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard. But O'Neal and Bryant together won three consecutive NBA titles (2000, 2001, 2002) and Kobe's legacy is secure, with five championship rings in storage as he nears the end of his final season. Due to Orlando's cap situation and … And yes a couple of names players will be filling out change-of-address forms, including Chicago veteran guard Kirk Hinrich, traded to Atlanta for a second-round pick; and Jeff Green and Lance Stephenson, who were swapped by Memphis and the Los Angeles Clippers, respectively. Both are benign free spirits. As bad as the Hornets were this past season, Howard still put up 16.6 points and 12.5 boards at the age of 32. The term generally used is “fit.”And Howard, at age 32, doesn’t fit. Facebook Twitter Flipboard uproxx.it Topics: #Dwight Howard , #LA … Dwight Howard is now a Charlotte Hornet, but one person who used to be heavily invested in his career doesn’t seem so concerned any more. Now he misses too many games due to a tender back and takes fewer than nine shots a game. … There is a reason for that; Howard has become one of the league’s most polarizing players. It’s why they took a gamble with Nick Young. We'll really see how much that matters this summer when Howard will surely seek a "max" deal under what will be the league's staggering new $89 million cap; that deal would pay him an amazing $31.1 million in Season 1. ... this isn’t a piece about why … Now, he just doesn't seem to fit in any system (Dwight, you're just not a post-up player) and when his teams have needed a presence in the playoffs he's been more Casper than Superman. His teammates and head coach, Doc Rivers, all view Howard as … An eight-time All-Star at age 28, Howard was the centerpiece of an Orlando squad that made six consecutive playoff appearances, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2009. There are players that come into the NBA on a blast of youthful energy, making an immediate impact, attracting fans, altering franchises and becoming All-Stars. Shaq and Dwight Howard ’s beef history is a must-watch The Secret Base team put together a great video on the history of Shaq’s relationship with Howard, that ran in … Join us! … Name 10 centers, period! He has an opt-out option on next season, the final year of his current contract; and pretty much everyone believes he'll exercise it, forgoing the $23.2 million in search of an even more lucrative long-term deal. Despite being a part of the Sixers' second unit, Howard isn't looked at any less. Bryant was never the easiest guy to share the floor with--just ask Shaq. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/21). In fact, that moment in New Orleans during All-Star Weekend is shaping up to the highlight of his legacy--not a big shot, big rebound or big block that led his team to a key playoff victory. He soon will be looking for his fifth employer -- counting his brief stay in Brooklyn -- over a five-year span. Howard's 2016-17 season with the Atlanta Hawks was … At 35-years-old, Dwight Howard’s case for the Hall of Fame is pretty strong. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri). He simply hasn't been able to show off a wide arsenal of moves, and his touch isn't where it needs to be. But when you’ve exhausted all good ideas, it’s time to flirt with a little insanity. © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC. They remember the summer of 2013, when Warriors CEO Joe Lacob spearheaded an attempt to bring Howard to the Bay Area. Dwight Howard is good right now, but he can't afford not to be. Nine. Others, paying closer attention and noting Howard’s precipitous decline, are waving their hands in protest. He was charismatic like Shaq and as athletic as any player in the league. The term generally used is “fit.”And Howard, at age 32, doesn’t fit. Which is why, with ESPN reporting Thursday that Howard is seeking a buyout from the Brooklyn Nets and expected to become a free agent, after which he would be available to the Warriors. It only takes one team, one owner and coach who still believe Dwight Howard is The One. (Last fall, Shaq said he believe he and Kobe could have won three more rings had he not been traded to Miami following the 2004 loss to Detroit in the NBA Finals.). Let me start by saying Dwight Howard is an obvious bad idea for the Los Angeles Lakers. And that's a shame. While there is little question Howard could post better stats than any Warriors center in recent years, there is another factor the team has come to value as much or more that sheer numbers. They’ve built it, which is why they can absorb JaVale McGee and maximize his talents. Oh, there was a flurry of late moves, many more related to salary cap maneuvering than improving the roster for a potential playoff or championship run. He has played for four teams since the Magic. Harden took over with a calming presence and showed everyone why he … The great teams normally have a superstar, a great secondary player, a very good third wheel and then bunch of role players. Dwight Howard's stock has been steadily declining for a decade, but it's time we take a moment to appreciate how good he was before it all went so wrong. Makes sense. Why no one really wants Dwight Howard anymore. Howard, now with the Lakers, had been with four teams since that summer, and has lost most of his star power due to lack of productivity and various behind-the-scenes issues. All rights reserved (About Us). Howard wants to play with other superstars in a big market. The mother of Dwight Howard’s 6-year-old son died nearly six weeks ago due to an epileptic seizure, the Los Angeles Lakers center says. He has no problem getting airborne and has the ability to posterize opponents with his thunderous dunks. He is also not exactly a young guy anymore. Howard underwent back surgery in April 2012, which is the last time the Magic appeared in the playoffs. Dwight Howard's best playoff moments in the bubble (1:57) Check out Dwight Howard's best moments from the 2020 NBA playoffs as he has agreed to a deal with the 76ers. They have ascended beyond the need for him. 12th NBA season since joining the league out of high school in 2004. Dwight Howard is listed at 6-foot-11 and carries about 275 pounds of pure muscle. The Warriors, even with their commitment to getting younger, will need to add at least one veteran this summer. (Just… maybe not $23 million worth of defense and easy buckets.) The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. An eight-time All-Star at age 28, Howard was the centerpiece of an Orlando squad that made six consecutive playoff appearances, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2009. As a basketball player, Howard’s game no longer lives up to his name. Only time will tell, though, and what seemed to be an easy transaction may not be anymore. But culture, or chemistry, is precious and precarious. Oh, you'll win some games, but not any jewelry. ... “It wasn’t as good as it needed to be for us to succeed,” Howard said of his relationship with Harden in 2016. ClutchFans has been bringing fans together to talk Houston Sports since 1996. Howard has played for four teams in the last five seasons, three in the last four. It is he isn’t a 1A basketball player anymore and doesn’t want to accept that. He remains one of the most talented and physically-gifted centers of his era, but, right now, no one seemingly really want Dwight Howard. The Magic were relevant largely because of its big man. The only reason why he was so successful was because of his athletiscm and all the 3pt shooters that surrounded him. ... 76ers would have a good game. Dwight Howard says he's not gay -- … He turned 30 last year and is in his 12th NBA season since joining the league out of high school in 2004. Why can’t Dwight Howard play like this every night for the Philadelphia 76ers? It isn’t that Dwight Howard isn’t a good basketball player. The wide range of opinions related to Howard around the league can’t be dismissed. He’s an eight-time All-Star, a five-time rebounding champion, a two-time blocks champion, a … ... isn’t done yet. I must have heard that phrase dozens of times as the NBA's annual trade deadline passed with a whimper on Thursday afternoon. So logically, unless you were a team that felt Howard was the "piece" that would get you past Cleveland in the East and Golden State or San Antonio in the West and into the 2016 NBA Finals, why not wait and woo him with flowers and such during the summer? MY SIDE OF THE STORY FS1. Most notably, however, Dwight Howard remained in Houston. Go ahead, try to name 10 centers you care about. The Warriors, once on a naked search for talent -- remember the truncated quest for Kevin Love -- have evolved enough to understand the impact of culture. When Howard lost his composure and was ejected with 8:08 remaining in the game, the Rockets didn’t back down. Sixers veteran Danny Green has spent a lot of time with Dwight Howard over the last year and some change. Making Howard that vet would be their riskiest move yet. This year, barely enough players moved to fill a couple of Ubers. I'm not sure anyone--except Howard himself--believes he's a championship piece anymore. But everyone in the NBA also pretty much knows it's much, more than that. Howard isn’t an elite player anymore, but he’s still a top center capable of providing defense and easy buckets. The answer: Orlando just isn't a big enough pond anymore. Not if it were my millions, not if it were my team, not for a guy now best described as a "top 10" center in a center-less game. Centers don't win dunk contests, but Howard did--in 2008, donning a Superman cape and shirt for a finale that truly embodied his persona and status within the game. “Dwight Howard has been on four different teams in the last four years. That the best the pundits can say now about Howard is that he's "still a top 10 center" speaks volumes. ... Dwight Howard. Not anymore. Despite his prodigious talent, even now, Howard is simply no longer a player you can win with. The biggest reason why is because its second star, Dwight Howard, only contributed 10 points in 30 minutes on the court and only pitched in one bucket in the crucial fourth quarter. Not too many years ago, Howard was not but just an elite center, he was also perhaps the game's most beloved and marketable player. And it hasn't a darn thing to do with his age or even ability. I mean, are there 10 top centers in the game anymore? His timing isn’t great. He's still puts up numbers off the glass (12.0 rpg, less than one board off his 12.7 career average), and he still ably protects the rim (1.5 bpg). Despite helping the Los Angeles Lakers win the title last season, Dwight Howard still hasn’t won over the good graces of Hall of Fame big man Shaquille O’Neal. He's far from his productive peak, particularly in scoring, where his tepid 14.6 ppg average is the lowest it's been since he averaged 12.0 ppg as a rookie. The biggest issue most players and fans have with Howard is why he can't dominate on a consistent basis. Dwight Howard 'I'm Not Gay' 20.9K; 7/16/2019 11:55 AM PT Play video content Breaking News. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. Last year, 39 players changed unis before the trading clock wound down, including several key starters. That's been clear for many seasons now, since Howard talked his way into becoming a Los Angeles Laker, then was exposed after just one season as Kobe Bryant's teammate. Pointing out that Dwight Howard was "lost" in the NBA landscape is overlooking some major details about the decline of his career. He has slowly and steadily slid completely off the NBA’s star landscape. Dwight wants to be used like a like a superstar […] Dwight Howard's Twitter profile ... but apparently a number of people polled pointed to the fact that Dwight Howard simply is not Dwight Howard anymore. But this season, Howard has worked to change his image and become a destructive force off the bench for the Lakers -- and he has accomplished just that. Now that we know that Avery Bradley won’t be playing with the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA reboot, eyes have been turned towards Dwight Howard. Please take a few seconds to create your free account to post threads, make some friends, remove a few ads while surfing and much more. Here are 7 reasons we should not be surprised by Dwight Howard's play. Not anymore. On Saturday, Green praised Howard for his work ethic and leadership so far in Philly. A post shared by Dwight Howard (@dwighthoward) on Nov 5, 2019 at 7:59pm PST Even if the workout was strictly for an Instagram clip, it’s something. Not anymore. Dwight Howard Sends Strong Message Aimed at Rockets. The Magic were relevant largely because of its big man. True, perhaps the biggest reason Howard remains in Houston is that he's considered a "rental." Some Warriors fans, perhaps visualizing what Howard once was, are rubbing their hands in hope that Howard would accept a veteran’s minimum contract to join the NBA champs. Bryant has since explained why he disliked Howard, saying that the big man seemed “uncomfortable” around people who were trying to win. He was traded four months later. A few teams seeming wanted Howard, but that's the core problem: At this juncture of his career, he's still enticing eye candy but no one seems to want to deal with the sugary side effects. Welcome! Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) in the first quarter during an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, in Phoenix. Perhaps, at 31 and with declining production, Trump doesn't think Howard worthy of his attention anymore. Orlando has not been the same team and Howard has not been the same player. He is not the first star player to become a roleplayer in his 30s.