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Dwight Howard: Beijing’s grounding affect (Part II)
Team U.S.A. was without a doubt one of the most dominating magnates of media and fan interest during the 2008 Olympics. And while the whole team was celebrated, it was mainly LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade who were the focus on and off the court. Howard was more of a role figure in the media interest and on the court. And it seems like he needed exactly that kind of grounding. “I didn’t need to put up 20 (points) and 20 (rebounds) in Beijing. I just needed to play solid defense,” remembered Howard back to the summer of 2008. “Playing with the Olympic team taught me quite a bit about team spirit and the different roles on the court,” said Howard.
Howard’s development is clear to see with the Magic. The big man carries the responsibility of being the club’s franchise player despite being just 23 years of age – making him the youngest player on a roster which averages 27.4 years. “Everything starts in practice,” said Howard referring to his positive work morale which makes him an automatic team leader. “Being on time, always giving 100 percent and regularly putting in extra shifts,” is Howard’s motto. Head coach Stan Van Gundy could hardly be more satisfied with the development of his prize player. And Van Gundy sees a clear correlation between Howard’s improvement and his summer adventure. “It can definitely be an after-effect of his experience in Beijing. They didn’t pass him the ball that much and limited his role to blocking shots and playing defense. He really has developed greatly in his help defense,” said the Orlando boss.
Opposing players are now even more often thinking twice about driving to the basket against the Magic, even if they have their defender beaten. Howard’s unbelievable leaping ability – both vertical and horizontal – allows him to get his hand on balls from nearly impossible positions. And even if he cannot get to a block, his sheer presence in the zone has a tremendous effect on an opponent’s shot selection. Howard’s huge lurking shadow often results in hurried layups or safe passes back out of the blocks. Number 12 from the Magic blocks shots even if he doesn’t touch the ball.
With Howard in essence declaring his own basket as a no-go zone and his teammates working hard on the wings, the Magic have created a defensive intensity that has produced some outstanding numbers. Their 94.3 points allowed rank them sixth-best in the league and more importantly, nearly five points better than last season.
And still, the personal statistics of one certain player continue to stand out. Against the Oklahoma City Thunder in November 2008, Howard notched a rare triple-double. Not only did he collect 30 points and 19 rebounds but he also blocked 10 shots. But after helping demolish the Thunder, Howard was tame after the game. “I want people to see me for how I really am – not some awe-inspiring guy. I may block a few shots, but I smile the whole time too.”
And it is that approachability that makes Howard a dream for every marketing specialist. And the NBA has enough of them – longing to combine his nearly inhumane athleticism and the resulting dunk show he puts on along with his public persona, wide smile and youthful spirit. The final result is a new record for fan selection to the All-Star Game. More than 3.1 million votes were cast for Howard, far more than any of his Dream Team colleagues.
Still, the peaceful facade breaks down once Howard steps onto the court. He is far from being a dirty player but he garners respect with his size and desire. And the balancing act is necessary because a PR image and toothpaste smile will not get you far in battles in the NBA blocks. Howard’s physical style of play is not just limited to game action. He is busy being a beast in practice as well, with a shockingly long list of victims. Jameer Nelson missed two games because of a concussion. Tony Battie suffered four torn muscles in his upper arm. And Brian Cook broke his hand. Those are just three examples of Howard’s path of destruction to the top of his game. And very rarely do his teammates give Howard a dose of his own medicine. Magic General Manager Otis Smith realizes that elbows flying during practice are just part of the game. “Some times you have to dish it out yourself, right? Still, Dwight hands out more than anyone else. I wonder how it took so long for Gortat to land a shot himself,” said Smith after backup center Marcin Gortat’s elbow check caught Howard and resulted in a visit to the team doctor and small scar for the big man.
