For those who watched USA vs Greece

[Forest]

Who cares? First, these games don't matter right now (preliminary rounds) and secondly its just the olympics. The games are ugly. Behind the back passes for no reason. Its like watching the all star game, no fundamental defense or defensive game plan. Our offensive plan is even worse. One on one basketball. Every big men scores all their points off dishes from the guards or forwards penetration. Look at Chris Bosh during the Greece game, the majority of his points were from Wade. Dwight doesn't look aggresive on defense or the boards. But we all know his defense and rebounding flourishes when he actually scores, it is just who Dwight is. No problem with that. But ultimately, his standards are set so high defensively and on rebounding that anything short of just pure dominance (15+rebounds and 3+ blocks) is considered "not trying."

[theTHIEF]

representing my country is a pretty big deal...

[Forest]

I want us to win Gold. And we will. But for people to apply Howards peformances in the preliminary or even the upcoming medals rounds to this upcoming season and his individual development is just plain silly. Chris Bosh was atrocious at intl ball before this year. It requires exprerience. I think Howard needs more time to adjust and figure out better ways to use his strength and athleticism under international rules

[Catledge]

I didn't get to see the Greece game, but IMO most of the times Dwight doesn't play well it's because of foul trouble. It seems really hard to be aggressive when you're constantly worried about committing fouls.

[magicfanatic23]

Well tommorow should be interesting. Biggest game by far for the US against Spain. Hopefully, Dwight can bounce back with a big game and we win by a lot. I predict that it will be close until the second half and the US should open it up and win by about 15.

[SOUL]

how come when every other player has bad games it isnt his fire or desire... just because he gets frustrated doesnt mean hes not trying, so im not sure where half of you are pulling this from... 2nd hes been okay, solid when he ISN'T in foul trouble... you guys are REALLY overrating how "bad" he is

[theTHIEF]

I personally referred to his performance in THAT (Greece) game...overall he's done well for what he's been given...foul trouble? they aren't all B.S. you know, he earns his fair share, it's his responsibility to work around that...when you are given a specific duty, you have got to go above and beyond, otherwise you fail yourself and your team. Getting overly frustrated clearly throws Dwight's state, he hasn't shown the ability to light up like other competitors do when they get upset, he typically derails himself...He's still growing, still learning, but that's a big issue, about as pressing at FT's...

[Shishnizzle]

I think a lot of people here see that his effort does not look as strong as we are use to. In the past Dwight has hung his head when the game was not going his way and his effort was not as good. A lot of us have noticed that.

I love Dwight but I think he still has some maturing to do.

I would hope that he would understand the magnitude of representing his country and suck it up and compete with fire. Even if the game does not flow through him like it does when he plays with the Magic.

I understand the Olympics are huge, but I'm not sure that Dwights game is as important in international basketball, and Dwight still has a lot of developing left to do. He is not even close to how good of a player he can be. He still is a very raw player. Right now his entire game is dependent on energy, effort and low post position. I prefer that in a big man because I really just want him to rebound, block shots, defend and draw double teams, but he has to make opponents respect him away from the basket just a bit. He needs to improve his free throw shooting and those are the reasons I think he would be better off resting and working on his game at home.

I just hope he plays his heart out in these next couple of games and the U.S brings home the Gold.

[craig01]

No matter what, just play hard.

[richboy]

I want us to win Gold. And we will. But for people to apply Howards peformances in the preliminary or even the upcoming medals rounds to this upcoming season and his individual development is just plain silly. Chris Bosh was atrocious at intl ball before this year. It requires exprerience. I think Howard needs more time to adjust and figure out better ways to use his strength and athleticism under international rules

I think it is important. Its not like these issues have not came up during the year. Free throws, defensive rotations, energy level when frustrated all things we have discussed many times. You seen anything that make you think those will not be issues next year. How he reacts to playing with other great player is a measuring stick at least for me on where he is as a player.