Reverse Tim Duncan - The Dwight Howard Thread

Cheeze · Post #241 » by **Cheeze** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 6:38 pm

Clifford pines away for Alfense, I think. Which means he'll do the same with Howard. 4-out offense and all that. Just need a Hedu Turkoglu return to make the Orlando nostalgia complete. Lauri Markkanen anyone?

Anyway, Howard gives Clifford the defensive presence his scheme needs to work...defend the rim, rebound a high average per possession, prevent opponents from second chance opportunities, get back on defense to prevent easy transition buckets, defend the pick and roll with length, score efficiently in the post and beyond the three point arc and don't turn the ball over.

Last season, the Hornets couldn't defend the rim nor rebound at Clifford's acceptable rate. Everything else fell off from that fundamental flaw. Howard fixes that issue. And that's why he'll start and get big minutes.

The issues moving forward are: will Clifford overuse Howard relative to his age; will Clifford utilize matchups more effectively?

Personally, I think Clifford's set rotations are best suited for older players like Howard who work best under known conditions. Doesn't necessarily translate to wins, but it is consistent and players like that. And I hope that Charlotte's head coach learned from his failing last season to adequately adapt to end game situations. Neither Kemba nor Howard will be able to save Steve Clifford from his biases. Only he can do that.

GlenRiceARoni · Post #242 » by **GlenRiceARoni** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 6:50 pm

The narrative that dwight sucks now is absurd. He was the 2nd best player on the 5th seeded hawks. Hes closer to being a star than a mediocre player. People just dont like him so they say he sucks and then on the other hand praise guys like Devin booker, andrew wiggins, and other scorers who are worthless in the wins/losses column.

He had a major resurgence last year with career high rebounding numbers, virtually career high ts%, and impressive defensive metrics.

He's no longer DOMINANT defensively and sure hes mediocre on offense but he addresses all of our rebounding, rim protection, and big man depth issues.

You get a lot better in the NBA by turning weaknesses into strengths. Simple concept but most people cant grasp that for whatever reason.

"Get Out the Way, Let the Real F. Ballas thru" - Juvenile

Post #243 » by **fatlever** » Sat Jun 24, 2017 5:03 am

Interview with Howard

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article157875744.html

Charlotte Hornets owner and basketball icon Michael Jordan phoned his new center, Dwight Howard, Thursday. By the end of that chat, Howard – who sometimes calls himself Superman – was soaring.

“I’d just done a 2 ½-hour workout. After I was done talking to him, I wanted to jump back into the gym,” Howard said Friday, in his first interview with a Charlotte media outlet since learning Tuesday night he’d been traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Hornets.

“That’s how he motivated me.”

“You’re talking about the greatest basketball player to ever play,” Howard said of Jordan. “For him to call you on the phone and say, ‘I believe in you!’ ”

“We do have a lot of history,” Howard said of Clifford, “and I’m excited about the opportunity for him to coach me again.”

chabber · Post #244 » by **chabber** » Sat Jun 24, 2017 5:16 am

Best thing Cliff could do for Howard is to get in his ear early. Let him know that he wants full out effort while playing to his strengths and that he's got a backup center that can help extend his career, keep his minutes down and feature that as a positive. That goes both ways too.

yasuhara2241 · Post #245 » by **yasuhara2241** » Sat Jun 24, 2017 2:23 pm

It is so interesting how the Howard move completely changed the mood and emotion to the fan base. I watch every game and lurk on here all the time but rarely contribute, but this offseason has really got me all in. I really think our teams personality meshes with Howard. All of our players seem like they work hard but are fun loving players. That is what Dwight likes and needs.

Eoghan · Post #246 » by **Eoghan** » Sat Jun 24, 2017 11:49 pm

On paper this looks great but I just can't shake the feeling that the ol' "Charlotte is behind the curve" thing is going to rear its ugly head again.

countryboi · Post #247 » by **countryboi** » Sun Jun 25, 2017 12:04 am

Eoghan wrote:On paper this looks great but I just can't shake the feeling that the ol' "Charlotte is behind the curve" thing is going to rear its ugly head again.

How so?

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Eoghan · Post #248 » by **Eoghan** » Sun Jun 25, 2017 12:17 am

countryboi wrote:
Eoghan wrote:On paper this looks great but I just can't shake the feeling that the ol' "Charlotte is behind the curve" thing is going to rear its ugly head again.

How so?

Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

Just feels like having a big name Center is a waste of resources right now, especially considering that Dwight's best asset was athleticism and he's a shell of his former self now in that department. He's not a good passer, he doesn't have range, he can't screen and roll or protect the rim like he once could. I'm just afraid that Charlotte's going to be playing the similar checkers whilst everyone plays chess that they did when they were in love with Al-fense. We're probably good enough now to beat a lot of these teams that are our peers, well enough to get solidly into the playoffs but this doesn't move the needle at all for me against actual contenders.

Cheeze · Post #249 » by **Cheeze** » Sun Jun 25, 2017 2:26 am

The Al Jefferson hangover continues, and I feel your pain. But this time, Howard is a complimentary piece and not the focal point, which is what Al was. Will Dwight understand and accept this role? I think he will. And that does move the needle.

Post #250 » by **fatlever** » Mon Jun 26, 2017 5:29 pm

Read on Twitter

Dwight says he wants to finish his career in Charlotte. Yeah, OK. We'll see if he is singing that same song in 2019 when we offer him 5 mil to be a backup.

Read on Twitter

Post #251 » by **fatlever** » Mon Jun 26, 2017 5:35 pm

Read on Twitter

Poor Kemba stuck in Jameer Nelson's shoes.

Post #252 » by **fatlever** » Mon Jun 26, 2017 5:36 pm

Read on Twitter

LofJ · Post #253 » by **LofJ** » Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:13 pm

That stylized photo of Howard sitting down with his jersey hanging up behind him is amazing.

Post #254 » by **fatlever** » Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:20 pm

Read on Twitter

StitchJones · Post #255 » by **StitchJones** » Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:22 pm

Eoghan wrote:
countryboi wrote:
Eoghan wrote:On paper this looks great but I just can't shake the feeling that the ol' "Charlotte is behind the curve" thing is going to rear its ugly head again.

How so?

Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

Just feels like having a big name Center is a waste of resources right now, especially considering that Dwight's best asset was athleticism and he's a shell of his former self now in that department. He's not a good passer, he doesn't have range, he can't screen and roll or protect the rim like he once could. I'm just afraid that Charlotte's going to be playing the similar checkers whilst everyone plays chess that they did when they were in love with Al-fense. We're probably good enough now to beat a lot of these teams that are our peers, well enough to get solidly into the playoffs but this doesn't move the needle at all for me against actual contenders.

I definitely get what you're saying but even the Warriors start ZaZa Pachulia. You still need that one guy on the floor who can rebound, and make it difficult at the rim. The Cavs, use Tristan Thompson, the Rockets Clint Cappela, ect. If Dwight plays the role of running the floor, setting picks, rebounding and protecting the paint, he could be a great fit. Now we need more from the SF and PF positions.

UNCNYC · Post #256 » by **UNCNYC** » Mon Jun 26, 2017 7:12 pm

Dwight says he wants to finish his career in Charlotte. Yeah, OK. We'll see if he is singing that same song in 2019 when we offer him 5 mil to be a backup.

lmfaooooooooo

Vanderbilt_Grad · Post #257 » by **Vanderbilt_Grad** » Mon Jun 26, 2017 10:54 pm

fatlever wrote:

Read on Twitter

That crowd ... lacks diversity.

Eoghan · Post #258 » by **Eoghan** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 2:55 am

StitchJones wrote:
Eoghan wrote:
countryboi wrote:

How so?

Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

Just feels like having a big name Center is a waste of resources right now, especially considering that Dwight's best asset was athleticism and he's a shell of his former self now in that department. He's not a good passer, he doesn't have range, he can't screen and roll or protect the rim like he once could. I'm just afraid that Charlotte's going to be playing the similar checkers whilst everyone plays chess that they did when they were in love with Al-fense. We're probably good enough now to beat a lot of these teams that are our peers, well enough to get solidly into the playoffs but this doesn't move the needle at all for me against actual contenders.

I definitely get what you're saying but even the Warriors start ZaZa Pachulia. You still need that one guy on the floor who can rebound, and make it difficult at the rim. The Cavs, use Tristan Thompson, the Rockets Clint Cappela, ect. If Dwight plays the role of running the floor, setting picks, rebounding and protecting the paint, he could be a great fit. Now we need more from the SF and PF positions.

Well I think GS could start my 92 year old grandma at center and still win 60 games a season. The difference between Dwight and those guys is that those guys know they're role players and that the latter two are young and athletic enough to guard on switches and relentlessly crash the glass. I'm not sure if any of that applies to Dwight here. I would rather see Charlotte look for their own Clint Capela instead of paying good money for Dwight Howard. I'm just not convinced of the value.

Lwcasu · Post #259 » by **Lwcasu** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 2:56 am

Eoghan wrote:
countryboi wrote:
Eoghan wrote:On paper this looks great but I just can't shake the feeling that the ol' "Charlotte is behind the curve" thing is going to rear its ugly head again.

How so?

Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

Just feels like having a big name Center is a waste of resources right now, especially considering that Dwight's best asset was athleticism and he's a shell of his former self now in that department. He's not a good passer, he doesn't have range, he can't screen and roll or protect the rim like he once could. I'm just afraid that Charlotte's going to be playing the similar checkers whilst everyone plays chess that they did when they were in love with Al-fense. We're probably good enough now to beat a lot of these teams that are our peers, well enough to get solidly into the playoffs but this doesn't move the needle at all for me against actual contenders.

While everyone has their own opinion, I think saying

"considering that Dwight's best asset was athleticism and he's a shell of his former self now in that department

is hyperbole. Saying Dwight's athleticism is gone is like saying Lebron's athleticism is gone. Sure, it's not what it was, but it's also still better than the league average at his position.

Eoghan · Post #260 » by **Eoghan** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 3:02 am

Dwight doesn't look remotely as athletic as he used to. Lebron is still pretty athletic, his decline hasn't been anywhere near as dramatic or noticeable as Dwight's. Dwight doesn't look like he wants to bend over at the waist anymore, he reminds me of Glenn Robinson.