[AwardedBallerParticipant]

 Yesterday they had Dwight Howard fill in for Shaq on the show, and it was well, an interesting watch. It’s exactly what I’ve been waiting for as it gave Dwight Howard the platform to finally come out and discuss what everyone says about him. Essentially becoming an interview, Dwight said some pretty eye popping things. He made valid points about how people just over analyze his reactions to things, how he he wishes as a big he could shoot 3s and dribble between his legs but he understands he needs other people (James Harden) to get the ball. He also talked about how Magic Johnson told him he’d never make it to the NBA when he was in high school, Which caught my attention.

 

Side note: Idk about Magic Johnson, he’s kind of coming off as a major douche to me recently, something about him does not seem genuine but idk him personally so..

Did anyone get the chance to watch it? If so did it change your opinion on Dwight?

 

 

 

 

[BiggaveliiiParticipant]

 I never really respected any of those tnt broadcasters because all they do is talk trash, I do know if this was boxing someone wouldve got knocked out. But i respect Dwight for standing up for himself you cant change someones values and character, like dude is a good person and he is respectful. Charles Barkley talks too damn much. Talk about disrespectful he doesnt even respect what golden state has done and instead bashes them by saying "back in my day we wouldve slapped them" Hes a bitter man.

[BiggaveliiiParticipant]

 I never really respected any of those tnt broadcasters because all they do is talk trash, I do know if this was boxing someone wouldve got knocked out. But i respect Dwight for standing up for himself you cant change someones values and character, like dude is a good person and he is respectful. Charles Barkley talks too damn much. Talk about disrespectful he doesnt even respect what golden state has done and instead bashes them by saying "back in my day we wouldve slapped them" Hes a bitter man.

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 I’ve always thought Magic was a d-bag. Just seems like a guy who needs attention. Like can a day go by without the media having some sort of tweet or quote from Magic Johnson? It’s like Jerry Jones – except not quite as bad. 

always thought when he was on TNT and ESPN, he tried super hard to make things about him and it was just always off putting. 

I thought it was funny how much more respectful Chuck seemed to be towards Dwight in studio. It was basically an interview and it just seemed like Chuck – probably under direction from producers – was a lot more professional than he usually is. 

That said, I don’t understand why people care so much about what Chuck says. Who gives a rat’s ass if he doesnt respect what GS is doing…people are too bent out of shape when people don’t give teams "the respect they deserve". I love Chuck, I love his analysis usually…but I don’t take him so seriously that my life is going to pass me by if I dislike something he says. 

I thought the Dwight stuff was solid. Dwight has always seemed like a misunderstood villian. He’s become unlikeable a little more in recent years but some of that, in my opinion has been out of his control. People hate him for his time in L.A…that’s bitter L.A people and because he basically set a precedent as someone who turned down the Lakers. I respect that move because Houston was a better situation and he’s not LeBron or KD or a guy that can win a title "on his own" – we can argue that about LeBron or KD another day. 

 

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 I’ve always thought Magic was a d-bag. Just seems like a guy who needs attention. Like can a day go by without the media having some sort of tweet or quote from Magic Johnson? It’s like Jerry Jones – except not quite as bad. 

always thought when he was on TNT and ESPN, he tried super hard to make things about him and it was just always off putting. 

I thought it was funny how much more respectful Chuck seemed to be towards Dwight in studio. It was basically an interview and it just seemed like Chuck – probably under direction from producers – was a lot more professional than he usually is. 

That said, I don’t understand why people care so much about what Chuck says. Who gives a rat’s ass if he doesnt respect what GS is doing…people are too bent out of shape when people don’t give teams "the respect they deserve". I love Chuck, I love his analysis usually…but I don’t take him so seriously that my life is going to pass me by if I dislike something he says. 

I thought the Dwight stuff was solid. Dwight has always seemed like a misunderstood villian. He’s become unlikeable a little more in recent years but some of that, in my opinion has been out of his control. People hate him for his time in L.A…that’s bitter L.A people and because he basically set a precedent as someone who turned down the Lakers. I respect that move because Houston was a better situation and he’s not LeBron or KD or a guy that can win a title "on his own" – we can argue that about LeBron or KD another day. 

 

 

 

 

[ChewyParticipant]

 "You’re a hell of a player" one more time, my remote was going to go through my TV. Stop repeating yourself Chuck and let your guest actually speak for more than 5 seconds without making D12 have to raise his voice above you.

I thought both Chuck and Kenny gave him some solid advice and was protective of him at times (ie: "You have to opt out. It has nothing to do with the player. That’s just a finicial decision").

But let the man speak! He is your guest on the show, you will be back tomorrow and the day after. You can talk then. Let Dwight talk now.

Good thing I didn’t break my TV. Right now all I can afford is a really nice 12′ TV. Do they even make those?

 

 

 

[ChewyParticipant]

 "You’re a hell of a player" one more time, my remote was going to go through my TV. Stop repeating yourself Chuck and let your guest actually speak for more than 5 seconds without making D12 have to raise his voice above you.

I thought both Chuck and Kenny gave him some solid advice and was protective of him at times (ie: "You have to opt out. It has nothing to do with the player. That’s just a finicial decision").

But let the man speak! He is your guest on the show, you will be back tomorrow and the day after. You can talk then. Let Dwight talk now.

Good thing I didn’t break my TV. Right now all I can afford is a really nice 12′ TV. Do they even make those?

 

 

 

[circumlocution75Participant]

 Howard was ranked the NBA’s #1 Center  (Andrew Bynum was ranked #2)………..& was frequently in the Top 5 of ESPN’s annual ranking of the League’s Top 100 players…….

In the 5 seasons from 2007/08′ thru 2011/12′ ………. Howard finished 5th, 4th, 2nd, 4th & 7th in League MVP Voting……. – that’s Top 5 for MVP 4X in 5 seasons…….

Howard entered the League at 19 years old……. & he made an Immediate impact……. but in the 5 years from age 22 thru 26 ……. Dwight averaged 21 ppg 14 Reb 3.3 Blocks & a 59% FG%…….

 And then after 8 years in Orlando Dwight was traded to the Lakers as a 26 y/o Super star……. By all accounts a 26 y/o Big man should just be Entering his Prime at 26……… So it looked at though those Crazy stats would GROW in L.A. playing w/ Kobe………

 And that is when Everything began to go wrong……. Dwight – wanting to win over his new teammates & new City in L.A. returned to action WAY too soon…….. I don’t know if anyone has ever had a bad back but Pro Basketball is the Last thing I would imagine doing w/ a bad back……..

But Howard returned to action & was Not even Close to 100%……. I doubt he was even 75%……. but he Still put up Solid #’s in a Lakers Uni…………. 17.1 ppg; 12.4 Reb; 2.4 Blocks; 58% FG% ….. but Howard was made the Villain of a 45 win Laker team that was swept in the 1st round of the NBA playoffs by the Spurs……..

That’s when Howard left for Houston….. In his 3 seasons in Houston, Howard has Averaged 16 ppg; 11.7 Reb; Only 1.6 Blocks; & a 60% FG%………. I don’t want to Pity Dwight & I don’t…… I believe he Never developed a single Low Post move b/c he was able to Doiminate w/ sheer athleticism…… 

And b/c of that as Dwight got older & suffered injuries – as Everyone does – Howard was Unable to shift gears to a potent "Old Man Game"……… Where he could Outhink & trick is younger opposition on the low black…….. Pump fakes; Up & under moves; Fade aways;  …….. but Dwight is still very effective…….

 I feel like he gets punished for what he did Not become in L.A…….. We – as fans – are obsessed with potential…… The truth is what Dwight Was between 22 & 26 was a remarkable Force – he beat Lebron & Cleveland & dragged a Very average Orlando squa to the Finals & it took Kobe, Pau Gasol & andrew Bynum to stop Howard from Delivering a Ring to the Magic……..

 The man suffered a Devastating backj injury & he has Never been the same…… Dwight reminds me a lot of Larry Johnson……. Who also had his Super Star Explosiveness stolen b/c of a terrible Back Injury……. but "Grand ma ma" reinvented himself as the "Lovable Over-achiever"………. Dwight is his own worst enemy w/ Public Relations…….. (Wow that was a Long Post – I am So Sorry….)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[doubledribblerParticipant]

Thanks for writing this up. It’s as if everyone has written off everything Howard has ever done. Could he have been a lot better than what he was? Sure, and he wouldn’t be the first guy. He was just talking to a guy in Barkley that didn’t take care of his body and was sitting in for a guy that did the same. Not everyone fulfills their potential. Potential is something that doesn’t exist, but that we think is there. Could he have been a better leader? Maybe. Not everyone is cut out to lead. Guys don’t tend to go from goofball class clown to the guy everyone rallies under. The thing that made guys like Bird and Jordan who they were is that they were nothing like anyone else.

I mean one of his biggest criticisms has been that he smiles when he plays. I would be smiling too if I made the amount of money he did playing basketball, had a huge house, pick of women (he’s exploited this just a bit though), and I was going to retire before 40. Now if we’re talking football, I don’t see how the guys in the pros ever smile, they just seem crazy. Russell Westbrook is having dance offs. The Warriors celebrate after every shot. Just because you react differently doesn’t mean you are not focused. You don’t do what he has without focus. Plenty of athletic guys that couldn’t start for NBA teams, and many more that couldn’t hang on.

 

[doubledribblerParticipant]

Thanks for writing this up. It’s as if everyone has written off everything Howard has ever done. Could he have been a lot better than what he was? Sure, and he wouldn’t be the first guy. He was just talking to a guy in Barkley that didn’t take care of his body and was sitting in for a guy that did the same. Not everyone fulfills their potential. Potential is something that doesn’t exist, but that we think is there. Could he have been a better leader? Maybe. Not everyone is cut out to lead. Guys don’t tend to go from goofball class clown to the guy everyone rallies under. The thing that made guys like Bird and Jordan who they were is that they were nothing like anyone else.

I mean one of his biggest criticisms has been that he smiles when he plays. I would be smiling too if I made the amount of money he did playing basketball, had a huge house, pick of women (he’s exploited this just a bit though), and I was going to retire before 40. Now if we’re talking football, I don’t see how the guys in the pros ever smile, they just seem crazy. Russell Westbrook is having dance offs. The Warriors celebrate after every shot. Just because you react differently doesn’t mean you are not focused. You don’t do what he has without focus. Plenty of athletic guys that couldn’t start for NBA teams, and many more that couldn’t hang on.

 

[circumlocution75Participant]

 Howard was ranked the NBA’s #1 Center  (Andrew Bynum was ranked #2)………..& was frequently in the Top 5 of ESPN’s annual ranking of the League’s Top 100 players…….

In the 5 seasons from 2007/08′ thru 2011/12′ ………. Howard finished 5th, 4th, 2nd, 4th & 7th in League MVP Voting……. – that’s Top 5 for MVP 4X in 5 seasons…….

Howard entered the League at 19 years old……. & he made an Immediate impact……. but in the 5 years from age 22 thru 26 ……. Dwight averaged 21 ppg 14 Reb 3.3 Blocks & a 59% FG%…….

 And then after 8 years in Orlando Dwight was traded to the Lakers as a 26 y/o Super star……. By all accounts a 26 y/o Big man should just be Entering his Prime at 26……… So it looked at though those Crazy stats would GROW in L.A. playing w/ Kobe………

 And that is when Everything began to go wrong……. Dwight – wanting to win over his new teammates & new City in L.A. returned to action WAY too soon…….. I don’t know if anyone has ever had a bad back but Pro Basketball is the Last thing I would imagine doing w/ a bad back……..

But Howard returned to action & was Not even Close to 100%……. I doubt he was even 75%……. but he Still put up Solid #’s in a Lakers Uni…………. 17.1 ppg; 12.4 Reb; 2.4 Blocks; 58% FG% ….. but Howard was made the Villain of a 45 win Laker team that was swept in the 1st round of the NBA playoffs by the Spurs……..

That’s when Howard left for Houston….. In his 3 seasons in Houston, Howard has Averaged 16 ppg; 11.7 Reb; Only 1.6 Blocks; & a 60% FG%………. I don’t want to Pity Dwight & I don’t…… I believe he Never developed a single Low Post move b/c he was able to Doiminate w/ sheer athleticism…… 

And b/c of that as Dwight got older & suffered injuries – as Everyone does – Howard was Unable to shift gears to a potent "Old Man Game"……… Where he could Outhink & trick is younger opposition on the low black…….. Pump fakes; Up & under moves; Fade aways;  …….. but Dwight is still very effective…….

 I feel like he gets punished for what he did Not become in L.A…….. We – as fans – are obsessed with potential…… The truth is what Dwight Was between 22 & 26 was a remarkable Force – he beat Lebron & Cleveland & dragged a Very average Orlando squa to the Finals & it took Kobe, Pau Gasol & andrew Bynum to stop Howard from Delivering a Ring to the Magic……..

 The man suffered a Devastating backj injury & he has Never been the same…… Dwight reminds me a lot of Larry Johnson……. Who also had his Super Star Explosiveness stolen b/c of a terrible Back Injury……. but "Grand ma ma" reinvented himself as the "Lovable Over-achiever"………. Dwight is his own worst enemy w/ Public Relations…….. (Wow that was a Long Post – I am So Sorry….)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MelParticipant]

 can we talk about about how much of an idiot Charles Barkley is. This is the same guy who week after week tells America that the NBA stinks when it has never been better.

He just runs off at the mouth about pure nonsense. The game is changing and he just sounds old and foolish. 

Re: Dwight. 

To me, one of his first missteps was the Dwightmare situation. It is perfectly OK to want out of a situation. But, he kept going back and forth and he lost a lot of favor with fans. 

Everyone knew he wanted out, and then……. he OPTS IN for his final year after caving to public pressure. 

2nd misstep was out of his hands. He played hurt and dissapointed the biggest and probably most annoying NBA fanbase out there, the Lakers. 

To go from arguably the most likeable player in the NBA after Nate dunked over him to today has been an amazing thing to witness

 

last thing.. I want Shaq Kenny and Chuck Gone…

If I have to hear about the physicality and how much better the game was because Michael Jordan was tackled and still scored 40… I will break my TV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MelParticipant]

 can we talk about about how much of an idiot Charles Barkley is. This is the same guy who week after week tells America that the NBA stinks when it has never been better.

He just runs off at the mouth about pure nonsense. The game is changing and he just sounds old and foolish. 

Re: Dwight. 

To me, one of his first missteps was the Dwightmare situation. It is perfectly OK to want out of a situation. But, he kept going back and forth and he lost a lot of favor with fans. 

Everyone knew he wanted out, and then……. he OPTS IN for his final year after caving to public pressure. 

2nd misstep was out of his hands. He played hurt and dissapointed the biggest and probably most annoying NBA fanbase out there, the Lakers. 

To go from arguably the most likeable player in the NBA after Nate dunked over him to today has been an amazing thing to witness

 

last thing.. I want Shaq Kenny and Chuck Gone…

If I have to hear about the physicality and how much better the game was because Michael Jordan was tackled and still scored 40… I will break my TV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 ^ if you are getting rid of those guys, who are you putting in there instead? 

I could live without Shaq. I don’t really love Kenny although he and Chuck have a great rapport. And I’m a big fan of Chuck…but again, I don’t take him nearly as seriously as as a lot of people seem to. I think his takes on the game are really good and his honesty is refreshing…he is what he is and if you take him too seriously, yeah you aren’t going to like him. 

I’ll tell you this, they are far and away better than Jalen Rose and Doug Collins. Collins is okay…but Rose is unbearable. 

My ideal panel would be to include Webber or Steve Smith instead of Shaq…but both of those guys do a really good job for TNT on the color so then you have to fill those shoes with someone else. 

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 ^ if you are getting rid of those guys, who are you putting in there instead? 

I could live without Shaq. I don’t really love Kenny although he and Chuck have a great rapport. And I’m a big fan of Chuck…but again, I don’t take him nearly as seriously as as a lot of people seem to. I think his takes on the game are really good and his honesty is refreshing…he is what he is and if you take him too seriously, yeah you aren’t going to like him. 

I’ll tell you this, they are far and away better than Jalen Rose and Doug Collins. Collins is okay…but Rose is unbearable. 

My ideal panel would be to include Webber or Steve Smith instead of Shaq…but both of those guys do a really good job for TNT on the color so then you have to fill those shoes with someone else. 

 

 

 

[MelParticipant]

 I dont take Chuck seriously at all, but this guy seriously says the dumbest stuff week in and week out. 

 the game advanced so much in every way and he provides nothing but a couple of jokes. No real insight or analysis and Shaq is even worse.

This dude admits to not watching games, but "it’s not better." 

As far as replacements, I think Paul Pierce is on the way out.. and it a straight shooter with knowledge of the game (having been a part of post 2004) I don’t count Shaq because he adds nothing.

And maybe non stars, they seem to have a great understanding of the game. When I hear a dude like Jarred Dudley talk about the game, they know what they’re talking about. 

There are options … and it’s been almost 20 years. wouldn’t hurt

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MelParticipant]

 I dont take Chuck seriously at all, but this guy seriously says the dumbest stuff week in and week out. 

 the game advanced so much in every way and he provides nothing but a couple of jokes. No real insight or analysis and Shaq is even worse.

This dude admits to not watching games, but "it’s not better." 

As far as replacements, I think Paul Pierce is on the way out.. and it a straight shooter with knowledge of the game (having been a part of post 2004) I don’t count Shaq because he adds nothing.

And maybe non stars, they seem to have a great understanding of the game. When I hear a dude like Jarred Dudley talk about the game, they know what they’re talking about. 

There are options … and it’s been almost 20 years. wouldn’t hurt

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SubZeroParticipant]

The hate for Dwight started when he ran Stan Van Gundy out of Orlando (whether it’s true or not), and only got piled onto when he started losing but kept laughing and joking like nothing was wrong. Chuck or Kenny said this last night, people are fine with you smiling and goofing off when you’re winning, but if you’re losing, it makes it seem like you don’t care and people will hate you for it

[SubZeroParticipant]

The hate for Dwight started when he ran Stan Van Gundy out of Orlando (whether it’s true or not), and only got piled onto when he started losing but kept laughing and joking like nothing was wrong. Chuck or Kenny said this last night, people are fine with you smiling and goofing off when you’re winning, but if you’re losing, it makes it seem like you don’t care and people will hate you for it

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

In my opinion, this was exactly what Dwight Howard needed. He showed he is a human-being, that he is not perfect, and also that all the criticism hurts him. Professional athletes, or all ‘famous’ people for that matter, are always hesistant to show the back of their tongue as they are afraid it gives them an image as being soft, weak or a ‘doubter’. However, for me, when someone is able to admit he or she is not perfect I instantly value that person better, as I’m better able to connect with them. Sometimes it seems that these players have lost all connection with the reality, but Howard’s appearance in TNT showed me he is almost as normal as me 😉 

Ad: For all people criticizing Barkley. He is paid to give his opinion, and he is one of the few who gives his own opinion, sound and clear. Now you may not like his opinion, but at least he says what he is thinking instead of saying nothing at all. His opinion about Howard has always been clear, and while he might have held back a little bit because Howard was in their show (but who wouldn’t?), he remained honest. 

 

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

In my opinion, this was exactly what Dwight Howard needed. He showed he is a human-being, that he is not perfect, and also that all the criticism hurts him. Professional athletes, or all ‘famous’ people for that matter, are always hesistant to show the back of their tongue as they are afraid it gives them an image as being soft, weak or a ‘doubter’. However, for me, when someone is able to admit he or she is not perfect I instantly value that person better, as I’m better able to connect with them. Sometimes it seems that these players have lost all connection with the reality, but Howard’s appearance in TNT showed me he is almost as normal as me 😉 

Ad: For all people criticizing Barkley. He is paid to give his opinion, and he is one of the few who gives his own opinion, sound and clear. Now you may not like his opinion, but at least he says what he is thinking instead of saying nothing at all. His opinion about Howard has always been clear, and while he might have held back a little bit because Howard was in their show (but who wouldn’t?), he remained honest. 

 

[Author]

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