The next step for Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard, Dime #9
“You can’t win unless you learn how to lose.” — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
For the sake of the Orlando Magic and maybe the center position in general, hopefully Dwight Howard takes that lesson from his NBA Finals counterpart Andrew Bynum’s hired mentor and uses it to continue on that path he’s on to become the most (or second-most) dominant player in the League.
When he’s replaying the last 12 months in his mind, Dwight will remember yesterday’s Game 5 loss above anything else. Not the Defensive Player of the Year award, or any of the 20-point/20-board nights, or even the Olympic gold medal game. He’ll remember watching Kobe and the Lakers celebrate a championship on his court. And if not that, he’ll remember missing two crucial free throws at the end of Game 4. Either way, he’ll think more of what could’ve been than the positives of what did happen.
But even though Dwight was as much of a non-factor (11 pts, 10 rebs, 3 blks) in the clincher as somebody with his skills could be, there were some positives to take from the experience. Like how, on occasion, he showed some grown-man post moves against Pau Gasol and Bynum to get himself buckets beyond the “Bang-Jump-Dunk” method. Or how he completely dominated most of Game 4, when he put up 21 boards and nine blocks.
Most importantly, Dwight can learn how to lose like Kareem said and come back stronger. If there are two enduring criticisms of Dwight, it’s that he doesn’t have enough offensive game, and he doesn’t seem to take things too seriously; people still see him as a big, goofy kid who can’t take over a team and who may not live up to his own potential because of his nice-guy personality. Losing this series could go a long way in dispelling both of those knocks. Throughout his championship run, Kobe referenced the feeling of losing to the Celtics in 2008. Jordan was motivated by the losses to the Pistons before he ever made the Finals, and Isiah was pushed by losing to the Celtics and Lakers. LeBron was pushed to his best overall season after last year’s playoff loss to Boston.
For Dwight Howard, he can build on the promise he showed on the court in this series to improve his game — from post moves to free throws — and always remember the feeling of falling just short of the win every player wants to experience. If he does that, he’ll get himself closer to having a championship celebration of his own.
June 15th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
doc says:
I know if he like that jersey so much he can have it if he come to town.Tell the Doctor he gotta share that for about 15 years.
June 15th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
fallinup says:
Dwight, this is your Leroy Smith.
Get pissed at this loss. Come back with a perma scowl on your brow all next season. The only time you give you big goofy grin on the court is when you bust someone’s ass with a monster cram. AND THATS THE ONLY TIME YOU SMILE.
Work on your damn foot work. Get 1-2 shots in your shot selection…a hook shot, and a mid range J. And goddammit!….work on your free throws.
That’s it. But most importantly…..GET PISSED!!!
June 15th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Metropolitan's Finest says:
GO DWIGHT!
I wanted Dwight to win ONLY Second to Kobe getting his without Shaq
if that makes sense, i know it’s complicated
June 15th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
jzsmoove says:
wtf Lebron gotta be on that list that endured before winning chips? Michael and and Isiah yes, but Bron aint won shit. Pushed from last year yes but still aint won shit.
June 16th, 2009 at 1:03 am
Seven Duece says:
the funny thing about this article is Dwight has BEEN learning from every previous failure, otherwise the Magic wouldn’t have been to the Finals this year. True, he needs to diversify his offense, but the team overall needs to be tweaked a bit for him to do his thing. Some low post help would be nice. He keeps improving, his day will come.
June 16th, 2009 at 3:47 am
808 says:
Thing is, Howard gets compared to Shaq…also, this post-season, we start to hear about Howard as if he is one of the NBA elite.
I don’t think so…This dude…for being the strongest player on the floor, he just straight up DISAPPEARS at times. It’s amazing how much of a non-factor Dwight Howard can be when he stops being aggressive. Remember Shaq in his prime??? When Shaq was on the floor, he would just CHANGE THE GAME….offensive end, defensive end, whatever.
Now, I hate Shaq…and I actually like Dwight. But if we’re gonna be talking about this guy as if he is one of the NBA’s elite, he can’t pull this milk-carton sh!t for these long-ass stretches of the game. That’s not what Players do.
June 16th, 2009 at 8:27 am
smoove chips says:
Congrats lakeshow.My boys just made me 250 smackers.lol
I’m proud of howard n co.You supposed to make progress.He wasn’t hese last year was he.I love what he told nelson too “sit you ass down and watch this shyt”.
@808
Aggresion can only get you so far homey.At some point you have to pick up MOVES.I remember when i was a young pup.Mad hops,with nothing but a right quick step and a spin move.Some older head put a stop to that bs with the quickness.I couldn’t get shyt.Soon I had to get a left hand layup and a decent J to get buckets.
Defences adjust.Smart defences will devestate you(Remember the pistons beating LA)You have to meld smarts with brawn.once you learn that the games becomes unbelievably,almost embarassingly easy.
And you’re right FUCK SHAQ !!!!I hope he goes to the cavs and gets stomped on by Dwight.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:45 am
QQ says:
Imposter QQ here. I’m not gonna pretend im the real QQ on this one. rather i’d like to quickly explain a day in the life of the REAL QQ.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:45 am
QQ says:
0900: Wake up, Masturbate, go back to sleep.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:46 am
QQ says:
0930: Mom wakes me up before going to work. Masturbate, lie in bed for about 30 mins, then wake up.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:46 am
QQ says:
1000: check dimemag.com to see if any of my friends left me a message
June 16th, 2009 at 9:47 am
QQ says:
1015: masturbate
June 16th, 2009 at 9:47 am
QQ says:
1025: go to kitchen, eat breakfast mom made me while watching mighty morphing power rangers on VHS.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:48 am
QQ says:
1045: Masturbate. Check Dimemag.com….hmmm, how come none of my friends have said hello to me yet?
June 16th, 2009 at 9:48 am
QQ says:
1050: Click refresh on Dimemag.com
June 16th, 2009 at 9:49 am
QQ says:
1055: Mastubate
June 16th, 2009 at 9:49 am
QQ says:
1107: Click refresh on Dimemag.com
June 16th, 2009 at 9:50 am
QQ says:
1130: Log into http://www.Love4Losers.com and send message to user: Skin-E-Chik74321 (LeAnn). That’s my latest girlfriend. We’re in love. Can you believe I already Cybered her, and i’ve only known her for a week!! (I’m a P.I.M.P.)
June 16th, 2009 at 9:50 am
QQ says:
1145: Masturbate thinking about intense cyber session i had with LeAnn last night. WHOA!
1159: Refresh Dimemag.com. UGH, that fucking Imposter is on here again. Time for me to put the hammer on his ass, “TAKE THAT!”
June 16th, 2009 at 9:51 am
QQ says:
1206: Mom calls to make sure i’m ok. Asks me if i’m in her bathroom masturbating to her Cosmo mags again. I respond “NO MOM” (But i actually did, and the dumb bitch will never know!!! – Devious Laugh Follows).
1230: Refresh Dimemag.com
1308: Log into my other dating site, http://www.gaybutnotout.com – Send message to MeatMissle69_69_69 (thats Jake, my boyfriend). “Hi Jake, last nites cyber session was intense. I can’t believe i jammed my mouse into my…” oops, i forgot i was giving a transcript of my day. Please disregard that last line.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:52 am
QQ says:
1326: Mastubate thinking of Jake and the intense cyber session we had last nite.
1400-1900: Sleep, mastubate, eat peanuts, refresh dimemag.com, in that order, continuously.
1913: Have Dinner with mom. She kisses me on my forehead and tells me i’m handsome!
2000:My “crusing time” I’ve heard of some new sites (i’m such a devious lil cyber pimp – don’t hate the playa, hate the game) namely, blakCox4Gaywhiteboyz.com, and http://www.MeetPeoplewithHerpes.com to pick up some more lovers. I must tell you, I’m really good at cybering, and i’m not afraid to boast.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:53 am
QQ says:
2100: Check Dimemag.com – GODDAMIT, this goddamn imposter is making me look stupid as fuck! I’ve got to think of something soon… quick, I’ll masturbate and that will make me feel better!
2130: Still mad at the IMPOSTER. Time to post “Burn the IMPOSTER” that will make me sound tough yet classy.
2200: Mom walks into my room and catches me masturbating. I get angry and tell her to knock before walking in. She just wanted to give me ice cream for dessert. I’m not really embarrassed as much as i am mad. She knows masturbation is my on means of sexual pleasure. She kindly leaves the icecream outside.
2230: Eat the melted ice cream. Ponder taking a shower. Ill advised idea. Will ruin the 4 day odor i have created by repeatedly masturbating and not washing my hands.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:53 am
QQ says:
2300: Check dimemag.com. Watch Orlando get smashed on sportscenter. Post. CYBER.
2315: CyBER with Jake. Then Cyber with LeAnn. (yeah i’m a bisexual loser).
2345: Check Dimemag.com.
2359: Masturbate and go to sleep.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:54 am
QQ says:
AHHH, I’m so FUCKING GLAD I’m just an imposter making fun of this fucking loser QQ. hahahahahaha.
-The REAL (Imposter) QQ
June 16th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Dukesman2000 says:
Dwight Howard HAS to develop a 15 ft jumper. He is limited offensively and is too predictable.
June 16th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
QQ says:
@dukesman – FUCK YOU! DWIGHT DA GAWD!
June 16th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
russ says:
Sorry but this guy is never going to be anything more than a dominant defensive presence. His lack of offensive fundamentals is almost unfathomable. Honestly, can someone think of someone this raw offensively that ever developed a substantial amount? Dude has played 5 years and still doesn’t know not to bring the ball down low? Don’t they teach that in grade school? His FT percentage hasn’t improved AT ALL in that time as well, next year he will magically get it? Not happening. He will probably continue to coast on his athletic ability until it diminishes and he will fade off. He doesn’t even box out, he just tries to jump over people most of the time.
Probably the last time he sees the finals. Hate when teams make it that far just because of a matchup issue and then get blown out.
June 16th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Andy Yeager says:
I’ll bet he’s a 1000x better actor than Shaq. The movie I heard he’s doing has GOT to be better than Kazaam!!! he will get at least two championships, he’s 23…give the kid time.
June 16th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Keith says:
Dwight reminds me of shawn kemp…
June 16th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
QQ says:
The real QQ here…
Hmmm…
@ the impostor: I love how I affected your life so much. I must have hurt you so much for you to be the psychotic, crazy as shit loser you are right now. Get some pills, dude.
I honestly love you. Cause you obviously need love, or you will you break down and burn your whole village
@ the ‘life of QQ’: LOL! That is my EXACT ROUTINE! GOOD JOB!
June 16th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
QQ says:
Bout Dwight…
There’s no way to go but up… I mean, Shaq was putting numbers in his first Finals way better than Dwight did but he was still called out by the critics. For sure, critics now has a lot to say about Dwight’s numbers.
But the quote of the article says it all: You can’t fucking win without experiencing losing.
The gooy kid personality? I think that is who he is. If we take it away from him, you take away who he is.
June 19th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Seven Duece says:
Howard’s getting 20+ per night, no way a rudimentary offensive player is doing that. Period. If it was all just athleticism, you’d see guys like Thaddeus Young and Josh Smith averaging in the 20’s as well. Get off his back, he’s not Hakeem, but he is only 23. And he was hitting J’s early in the ‘07-08 season, but SVG chained him to the post once it was apparent no rebounding help was there. Sign up for NBA league pass and watch a couple games, then get back to me.