Dwightmare in Houston

Kevin McHale gets booted and Baby Dwight starts boo-hooin.  What a goober. You won’t win a ring in Miami either Dwight.  You won’t be the first option there either.

Kevin McHale gets booted and Baby Dwight starts boo-hooin.  What a goober. You won’t win a ring in Miami either Dwight.  You won’t be the first option there either.

 I don’t think he cares about not being a first option I think he’s pissed because he can an entire game watching James Harden dribble out every possession to end it with a contested pull up jumper without them even running a single play hitting Dwight, but guys like Clint Capela and Terrence Jones get post ups run for them. Yeah, Dwight isn’t the best post player, but neither are those guys and it would grind my gears too if I was having to watch a guy jack up every shot under the sun and not a get single touch down low, and when I get a rest have to watch inferior guys brick shots close to the rim. Seems like a pretty legitimate gripe to me at least, you’re paying the man 20 million a year, just give him a couple post shots. 

 I don’t think he cares about not being a first option I think he’s pissed because he can an entire game watching James Harden dribble out every possession to end it with a contested pull up jumper without them even running a single play hitting Dwight, but guys like Clint Capela and Terrence Jones get post ups run for them. Yeah, Dwight isn’t the best post player, but neither are those guys and it would grind my gears too if I was having to watch a guy jack up every shot under the sun and not a get single touch down low, and when I get a rest have to watch inferior guys brick shots close to the rim. Seems like a pretty legitimate gripe to me at least, you’re paying the man 20 million a year, just give him a couple post shots. 

 Dwight is just bad offensively, never developped, doesn’t really deserve to get touches in the post, he’s not a threat there and won’t be in Miami. At the end of the day, he’s overpaid, and I think he is already past his prime due to injuries sadly.. Miami shouldn’t try to get him, they won’t get past the Cavs anyway, with or without him.

 Dwight is just bad offensively, never developped, doesn’t really deserve to get touches in the post, he’s not a threat there and won’t be in Miami. At the end of the day, he’s overpaid, and I think he is already past his prime due to injuries sadly.. Miami shouldn’t try to get him, they won’t get past the Cavs anyway, with or without him.

Not an excuse for his dramatics but I don’t think Dwight has ever fully recovered from his back problems that started his last year with the Magic (I believe). They absolutely effected him during his stint in Los Angeles and his athleticism, though noticable at times, seems to come and go.

This guy won 3 consecutive DPOY awards and made 5 straight All-NBA First Teams. We are not watching the same player, and neither fans, NBA personnel, or Dwight himself should expect performances like the Dwight of old.

Not an excuse for his dramatics but I don’t think Dwight has ever fully recovered from his back problems that started his last year with the Magic (I believe). They absolutely effected him during his stint in Los Angeles and his athleticism, though noticable at times, seems to come and go.

This guy won 3 consecutive DPOY awards and made 5 straight All-NBA First Teams. We are not watching the same player, and neither fans, NBA personnel, or Dwight himself should expect performances like the Dwight of old.

 While I think Dwight has always been and still is an insanely talented, and uber athletic big man, he never put up the same numbers that he was putting up in Orlando after leaving. His PER never even came close to approaching it’s heights with the Magic he achieved from 2008-2012.

While you can argue that injuries, and an inevitable decline in talent with age could be partially to blame, I think it has a lot more to do with not playing in Stan Van Gundy’s system. I think Stan never really got the credit he deserved for knowing how to feature and harness Dwight’s talents. As evidence of this look at what he’s done with Andre Drummond who is putting up prime-Dwight-like numbers for the Pistons this year. The systems the Lakers, and Rockets have used Dwight in never really put him in a position to thrive. I would love to see what he could still do on another team that will play to his strengths, and feature him correctly. 

 While I think Dwight has always been and still is an insanely talented, and uber athletic big man, he never put up the same numbers that he was putting up in Orlando after leaving. His PER never even came close to approaching it’s heights with the Magic he achieved from 2008-2012.

While you can argue that injuries, and an inevitable decline in talent with age could be partially to blame, I think it has a lot more to do with not playing in Stan Van Gundy’s system. I think Stan never really got the credit he deserved for knowing how to feature and harness Dwight’s talents. As evidence of this look at what he’s done with Andre Drummond who is putting up prime-Dwight-like numbers for the Pistons this year. The systems the Lakers, and Rockets have used Dwight in never really put him in a position to thrive. I would love to see what he could still do on another team that will play to his strengths, and feature him correctly. 

I always wonder what kind of possesions Dwight is looking for. He doesn’t like the pick-n-roll (which is a play basically tailored for him). Does he want post-ups with his back to the basket? He just isn’t that good playing that way, and without the pick-n-roll his game should be based on getting put-backs, alley-oops, and dunks, while dominating on the other end of the floor. 

I always wonder what kind of possesions Dwight is looking for. He doesn’t like the pick-n-roll (which is a play basically tailored for him). Does he want post-ups with his back to the basket? He just isn’t that good playing that way, and without the pick-n-roll his game should be based on getting put-backs, alley-oops, and dunks, while dominating on the other end of the floor. 

Who is that "report" exactly? Of course the media will pounce on the guy hated amongst casual fans as his team is losing. I don’t buy this. Media makes a lot of sh*t up.

 Remember those days when it was all over that Kd does not like playing with Russ? Just because they lost in the playoffs? And that time media was blowing the Cavs pre-Lebron season out of proportion saying Kyrie wants out of Cleveland and they’re trying to make fans turn on him?? Where are those "rumors" now? Media sucks.

Who is that "report" exactly? Of course the media will pounce on the guy hated amongst casual fans as his team is losing. I don’t buy this. Media makes a lot of sh*t up.

 Remember those days when it was all over that Kd does not like playing with Russ? Just because they lost in the playoffs? And that time media was blowing the Cavs pre-Lebron season out of proportion saying Kyrie wants out of Cleveland and they’re trying to make fans turn on him?? Where are those "rumors" now? Media sucks.

 There’s definitely something wrong. Howard played 28-minutes last night against the Kings and Demarcus Cousins. You would think pride would set in and he would want to outperform him yet he finished with 4-points, 4-rebounds and 5-fouls. That just doesn’t seem like the Dwight Howard we’ve been accustomed to and after being so physical and active out of highschool one would think his body may have taken its toll.

 There’s definitely something wrong. Howard played 28-minutes last night against the Kings and Demarcus Cousins. You would think pride would set in and he would want to outperform him yet he finished with 4-points, 4-rebounds and 5-fouls. That just doesn’t seem like the Dwight Howard we’ve been accustomed to and after being so physical and active out of highschool one would think his body may have taken its toll.

 I’ve said this many times about Dwight Howard and I will continue to say it.  He Gets Buckets made a good point about Dwight being frustrated about watching James Harden jack up shots while he doesn’t get any post touches.  I understand that.  Also, in the ten years Dwight has been in the league, his post game hasn’t developed at all.  Why is he bitching about post touches when he has never developed a go to move in the post or developed anything in the post for that matter?  He chose to be in Houston after the nightmare season in LA.  He knew what kind of player Harden was.  Dwight has always been an immature little brat.  Everywhere he has gone he has been a cancer.  Orland, Los Angeles and now Houston.  He’s one of my least favorite players of all-time.  How does anybody root for a guy like this?  He’s not anywhere close to the guy he was in Orlando.  I’m just stunned Dwight Howard is whining again about how unhappy he is, although I shouldn’t be surprised.  That’s the way he has always been.  It’s really sad and embarrassing.  What a terrible teammate.   

 I’ve said this many times about Dwight Howard and I will continue to say it.  He Gets Buckets made a good point about Dwight being frustrated about watching James Harden jack up shots while he doesn’t get any post touches.  I understand that.  Also, in the ten years Dwight has been in the league, his post game hasn’t developed at all.  Why is he bitching about post touches when he has never developed a go to move in the post or developed anything in the post for that matter?  He chose to be in Houston after the nightmare season in LA.  He knew what kind of player Harden was.  Dwight has always been an immature little brat.  Everywhere he has gone he has been a cancer.  Orland, Los Angeles and now Houston.  He’s one of my least favorite players of all-time.  How does anybody root for a guy like this?  He’s not anywhere close to the guy he was in Orlando.  I’m just stunned Dwight Howard is whining again about how unhappy he is, although I shouldn’t be surprised.  That’s the way he has always been.  It’s really sad and embarrassing.  What a terrible teammate.   

Houston seems to be an odd place in that there are clearly people within the organization who love to leak things (some true, some not) to the media. Around draft time, trade deadlines, and nationally televised games (hey look at who is playing Thursday on TNT!), they seem to accomodate the rumor mill more than anyone else.

Houston is not off to a good start, but I am surprised by the reaction to it. They are not remotely interested in guarding anyone, but this is not new. Really, their best defense last year was more about pushing pace and using it to get undisciplined teams to play faster and looser trying to chase points than they should. In many ways, Golden State is similar, but are obviously better at locking in defensively when games are close late in contests. As a result of the offense not being as formidable, their defensive shortcomings are back in full view. Changing coaches and constant leaks about roster moves or upgrades does not settle things. Constantly changing rotations and starters does not settle things when there is no remedy for Ty Lawson being bad and Harden and Ariza missing more shots than expected. Dwight is not the presence he once was, and has not been for some time, but he is not the big problem. Going from him to Hassan Whiteside and/or Clint Capela does not help. Whiteside has fantastic shot blocking numbers, but also is out of position a lot on a team that has a much more advanced defensive infrastructure and emphasis. I do not think a more free-flowing style helps that issue. A real retooling of the roster and style needs to take place in the offseason. For now, they need to ride out a tough stretch with the guys who got them into May last year. Helping elevate the sense of discontent or panic seems to be the worst option possible.

Houston seems to be an odd place in that there are clearly people within the organization who love to leak things (some true, some not) to the media. Around draft time, trade deadlines, and nationally televised games (hey look at who is playing Thursday on TNT!), they seem to accomodate the rumor mill more than anyone else.

Houston is not off to a good start, but I am surprised by the reaction to it. They are not remotely interested in guarding anyone, but this is not new. Really, their best defense last year was more about pushing pace and using it to get undisciplined teams to play faster and looser trying to chase points than they should. In many ways, Golden State is similar, but are obviously better at locking in defensively when games are close late in contests. As a result of the offense not being as formidable, their defensive shortcomings are back in full view. Changing coaches and constant leaks about roster moves or upgrades does not settle things. Constantly changing rotations and starters does not settle things when there is no remedy for Ty Lawson being bad and Harden and Ariza missing more shots than expected. Dwight is not the presence he once was, and has not been for some time, but he is not the big problem. Going from him to Hassan Whiteside and/or Clint Capela does not help. Whiteside has fantastic shot blocking numbers, but also is out of position a lot on a team that has a much more advanced defensive infrastructure and emphasis. I do not think a more free-flowing style helps that issue. A real retooling of the roster and style needs to take place in the offseason. For now, they need to ride out a tough stretch with the guys who got them into May last year. Helping elevate the sense of discontent or panic seems to be the worst option possible.

 I dont think Dwight Howard even likes basketball…or playing in the NBA anyways.

I put him in the Andrew Bynum, Larry Sanders category of bigs who are only in the league cos they are so damn good (and big).

Doesnt mean they like the job…

I wouldnt be surprised if he calls it a day at the end of this contract.

 I dont think Dwight Howard even likes basketball…or playing in the NBA anyways.

I put him in the Andrew Bynum, Larry Sanders category of bigs who are only in the league cos they are so damn good (and big).

Doesnt mean they like the job…

I wouldnt be surprised if he calls it a day at the end of this contract.

Dwight is in his 12th year and has back problems. He is not the player he once was.

He doesn’t have the best reputation, I personally would like to see him do something good and give something back. Turn down your big $23mill next season as you are not worth that, take a pay cut, eat a slice of humble pie and come off the bench for another young team, being a mentor for their young starting centre. Vucevic in Orlando or Gobert in Utah.

Both Lebron and Garnett returned back to the former teams, which has added to their legacy. Would be nice to see Howard turn it around and do the same….

Dwight is in his 12th year and has back problems. He is not the player he once was.

He doesn’t have the best reputation, I personally would like to see him do something good and give something back. Turn down your big $23mill next season as you are not worth that, take a pay cut, eat a slice of humble pie and come off the bench for another young team, being a mentor for their young starting centre. Vucevic in Orlando or Gobert in Utah.

Both Lebron and Garnett returned back to the former teams, which has added to their legacy. Would be nice to see Howard turn it around and do the same….

 I think it’s unfair sometimes the flack that Howard gets. He didn’t like playing in LA because as great as Kobe is, he had regressed a lot (especially defensively) and was given a pass for it. Kobe was constantly playing horrible defense and Dwight kept calling him out on it but since he’s Kobe everyone took his side and called Dwight a diva. No disrespect to Bryant, but come on, Dwight had a point.

Same thing’s happening now with Harden. Harden’s more interested in padding his stats at this point. He’s taking entire possessions to himself, shooting tons of shots a game while not connecting on a lot of them, and of course playing his James Harden brand of defense. Harden’s lack of real effort on the court is so apparent to even the average viewer. He has entire highlight reels on his lazy defensive breakdowns. It’s not even being a bad defender, he’s just downright lazy on that side. Now Dwight’s mad about it and everyone’s quick to write him off as having another diva moment. As much as I hate how Dwight handled his last year in Orlando and how he forced himself out, he has had REALLY good reasons to be unhappy with his last two teams.

 I think it’s unfair sometimes the flack that Howard gets. He didn’t like playing in LA because as great as Kobe is, he had regressed a lot (especially defensively) and was given a pass for it. Kobe was constantly playing horrible defense and Dwight kept calling him out on it but since he’s Kobe everyone took his side and called Dwight a diva. No disrespect to Bryant, but come on, Dwight had a point.

Same thing’s happening now with Harden. Harden’s more interested in padding his stats at this point. He’s taking entire possessions to himself, shooting tons of shots a game while not connecting on a lot of them, and of course playing his James Harden brand of defense. Harden’s lack of real effort on the court is so apparent to even the average viewer. He has entire highlight reels on his lazy defensive breakdowns. It’s not even being a bad defender, he’s just downright lazy on that side. Now Dwight’s mad about it and everyone’s quick to write him off as having another diva moment. As much as I hate how Dwight handled his last year in Orlando and how he forced himself out, he has had REALLY good reasons to be unhappy with his last two teams.

 I would actually try to do this trade.

Trade Dwight Howard back to the Lakers in a fairly big deal.

The Rockets get Roy Hibbert, Nick Young, Brandon Bass, the 32nd pick, and a future 2nd round pick.

The Lakers get Dwight Howard, KJ McDaniels, and the 15th pick.

The Rockets get a rim protecting big who can rebound some and doesn’t mind not being the first option.  Brandon Bass is a solid power forward, and Nick Young is a decent-sized wing who can give them some instant offense off the bench, or a guy who can start at small forward next to Harden.

The Lakers get a name player, and a more "exciting guy".  At the very least he is a BETTER REBOUNDER than Big Roy.  He and Randle should be more fun to watch inside.  KJ McDaniels has some potential — especially with the budding Lakers youth movement.

The Rockets get rid of an unhappy, big contract guy and get some WIN NOW guys who should fit in with the James Harden Show.  The Lakers get a "flashy" guy plus some young assets (KJ McDaniel and the 15th pick).  Dwight’s downside is similar to what Roy Hibbert is giving them now, with slightly more upside in rebounding and scoring.  Worst case scenario, you flip him in the offseason as an expiring contract.

If I am the Rockets I don’t want to trade the 15th pick.  Doesn’t look like a GREAT draft, but there should still be some value there… and this could be a draft where you can get the same type of guy at 3-5 or 15-20.

BUT, if I am the Rockets I am taking on less money, with Roy Hibbert being an EXPIRING CONTRACT, potentially freeing up a bunch more money for next year’s free agency where the salary cap should SKY ROCKET.

Pretty good bet for both teams I would think.

 I would actually try to do this trade.

Trade Dwight Howard back to the Lakers in a fairly big deal.

The Rockets get Roy Hibbert, Nick Young, Brandon Bass, the 32nd pick, and a future 2nd round pick.

The Lakers get Dwight Howard, KJ McDaniels, and the 15th pick.

The Rockets get a rim protecting big who can rebound some and doesn’t mind not being the first option.  Brandon Bass is a solid power forward, and Nick Young is a decent-sized wing who can give them some instant offense off the bench, or a guy who can start at small forward next to Harden.

The Lakers get a name player, and a more "exciting guy".  At the very least he is a BETTER REBOUNDER than Big Roy.  He and Randle should be more fun to watch inside.  KJ McDaniels has some potential — especially with the budding Lakers youth movement.

The Rockets get rid of an unhappy, big contract guy and get some WIN NOW guys who should fit in with the James Harden Show.  The Lakers get a "flashy" guy plus some young assets (KJ McDaniel and the 15th pick).  Dwight’s downside is similar to what Roy Hibbert is giving them now, with slightly more upside in rebounding and scoring.  Worst case scenario, you flip him in the offseason as an expiring contract.

If I am the Rockets I don’t want to trade the 15th pick.  Doesn’t look like a GREAT draft, but there should still be some value there… and this could be a draft where you can get the same type of guy at 3-5 or 15-20.

BUT, if I am the Rockets I am taking on less money, with Roy Hibbert being an EXPIRING CONTRACT, potentially freeing up a bunch more money for next year’s free agency where the salary cap should SKY ROCKET.

Pretty good bet for both teams I would think.