How Dwight Howard can repair his game and image with the Charlotte Hornets
By Carlos Smith
Joining the Charlotte Hornets gives Dwight Howard an opportunity to improve his game and fix his reputation.
The NBA offseason has gotten off to a buzz as teams try to scramble to improve their rosters. The Charlotte Hornets have jumped into the mix adding Dwight Howard who was once viewed as the best big man in the game to their team. With the trade being made there is still work to be done on both sides.
With the acquisition of Dwight Howard, the Charlotte Hornets are at least for the moment showing they are committed to improving their team. Although he may not be the player that he once was Howard is still an upgrade at the center position. For many, this won’t help Howard’s image, but this could be the best thing to happen to him.
Although Dwight can bee an effective player it’s time for him to look in the mirror. With the back injury and other nagging problems, he must realize he’s not the player he once was. At this point in his career, he should focus on what helped him rise to stardom and what once made him the best big man in the game.
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Although helping the Magic reach the NBA Finals Dwight Howard has never proven to be a dominant offensive player. For his career, he has averaged 17.5 points per game shooting 58.5% from the field and 56.6% from the free throw line via basketball-reference. If he comes in with the understanding of not being the primary guy and possibly being the third scoring option this relationship could work.
Dwight must get back to being as close to the three-time defensive player of the year as he once was. His presence on the defense as a rim protector can change life for the Hornets if he’s committed to it.
Image Repair
With Dwight now moving to his fifth NBA team it can appear as his image is damaged. No doubt only staying in Atlanta for one year and being traded for which doesn’t look like much in return won’t make him look any better. With his star being dimmed it’s still time in his career to change how he is viewed.
A lot of people view Dwight as just a nice guy who at times doesn’t take the game serious. Losing may not bother him as much as it should but all of this can still change. If Howard can come in as healthy as he can in the best shape of his career it will be a big start. Although money is always a factor in where a player goes winning should mean just as much to him as well. If he is able to help lead the Hornets back to the playoffs this can only help him.
In today’s game, big men don’t have the same impact anymore because of the way teams play small ball. It’s time for Dwight to figure out a way to take advantage of those situations and dominant in a way that his previous teams were hoping to see. If he can find a way of not being a liability at the free throw line and remain on the floor this will benefit him and the team.
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No one will ever confuse him for the being the greatest player to ever play the game, but it’s still time for him to change his perception especially if he wants to be in the Hall of Fame.