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I think it's intentional to keep him out of foul trouble early. He's no good if he's on the bench.
Dwight's improvement on the block has been really impressive, but is it just me, or has his defense taken a significant step back? He's always been a mediocre post defender, but I feel like his pick and roll D and help D have taken a step back this year
Also, I find it hilarious that this guy can go games without taking even 10 shots. There is absolutely no reason/excuse for it, and the Rockets are going nowhere until they can learn to use him as more of a weapon. Come playoff time Harden's refball won't fly, and the Rockets will need to learn how to play through Dwight or suffer another first round exit.
I think it's intentional to keep him out of foul trouble early. He's no good if he's on the bench.
Peak Howard was one of the most intimidating defensive players in NBA history, tbh, so naturally, with the declining athleticism, he is no longer the same defensive player..still really good, though..
Offensively, I agree, his post game is much better, and Houston does ignore him too much..he was very good in last year's playoffs, while Harden/Parsons disappeared..
It took 11 years for him to develop a "great post game". Yeah thats why this got will always be a loser
Its kind of sad because I had high hopes for him around 2009, he didnt get much better than that year. Comparatively, Lebron and KD have gotten much better than their 2009 counterparts.
lol kevin willis clone
Only thing hurting Harden in the playoffs is FG%. Last year, he average a whopping one less free throw a game in the playoffs. As for Howard, his post ups are just awkward. Only effective against weaker centers like Robin Lopez. He would get so many more easy buckets if he would commit to the PnR more.
This. Dwight can be very effective on the block just like Lebron ...because they are stronger and quicker than their defenders. But a "great post game?!" Are you serious? BOTH guys look awkward I know I am setting the bar high but a great post game is McHale (dat bas ), Timmy (a little awkward but so many counters) Al Jeff, Zbo, Pau ... Dwight has improved ...but great? Offensively he is more like Zo with less range.
GB is right harden/Dwight pnr would be his best offensive weapon and no playing completely off Dwight will NOT win in the playoffs for Rox unless they face a Bogut-less Warriors or play OKC/Portland ...Grizz, Clips healthy Spurs and Mavs wont allow Rox to win that way ...
Game 2 last year, Howard was having that great post up performance against Lopez. He had like 15 to 20 pts in the 1st, iirc, but the Blazers were matching the Rockets point for point. Rockets aren't going to win relying on Howard post ups. Would much rather have Dmo to that. Dwight needs to work on that little 10ft jumper tbh.
It's difficult to go to DHo on the post with any consistency while his FT% remains so ty. As long as he's not right under the basket, you can foul him and live with his 50% or worse FT shooting...
Dunking and alley ooping, nothing new...
Harden's FG% was embarrassing in last year's playoffs, especially when you consider how many shots he took.
I agree to an extent, but Shaq got away with the same flaw for his whole career. Not saying that Dwight is as dominant as Shaq, but he can still be plenty effective down there.
Shaq didn't have a "great" post game either, but he was damn effective. If you're bigger/stronger than everyone who you're matched up with, then no need for all of the counters, etc. Just be able to go over either shoulder on either block and have a solid drop step. Howard has shown all of those things this year, but the Rockets would rather chuck 3s.
My main point (not sure if it came across) is that the Rockets need to figure out how to utilize Howard better. Mix in post ups and the high pnr, but all of that isoball crap won't serve them well come playoff time. No way the Rockets will go far unless Howard (who is an efficient paint scorer) gets 14+ shots per game and a good amount of touches overall.
Big shots.
Houst was gonna reinvent the in' wheel, rehab a ne'er' do well, make a silk purse out of a cow's ass.
Big shots.
Just thank Christ the loser was standin' there in the Summer of '09.
I get what you are saying but I think if you go to him more the returns will be diminished. Look I hate Dwight, but the problem is the media and himself trying to get him to be something he is not. He is still a very good if not dominant defensive force. He is great on lobs when healthy and can be quite effective using his left when he gets paint catches "on the move" and on drop step power moves when he has a smaller man. It's funny people mention shaq because that is another comparison that does Dwight an injustice. He is not as big or as effective on the block as Shaq ... and Shaq was never as good on defense as prime Howard.
Like GB said if he just focused on running pnr and hard dive cuts from the high post the Rox and and howard would benefit. Sometimes it seems like he trying to prove something to Shaq (and his critics) or himself.
I want him to fail ... but tbh shaq and others have been unfair in SOMe of their crticisim. he is immature and he should have worked harder to maximize his prime ...but he is what he is. I did not want him at max but he still is one of the best centers despite his flaws. The rox have plenty of talent it will be up to Mchale and Harden (their best player) to make it work. I would not blame Dwight foremost but again will enjoy seeing him fail.
And that is what I've found incredible. Usually when the Lakers take a hit like they did with the escape of Howard from California they're nailed continuously & comprehensively. When that story broke where Howard was disrespected comprehensively across the league I was stunned. A.) I never figured it was true. I took him for a loser, but, when the am I ever right, right? B.) I never figured Media would let the truth of Howard's rep be publicized.
I hit that er dead on first, me. Old Dale.
You did old friend. My feelings are mixed, still are. To me he is similar to demarcus ware ...was one of my favorite Cowboys but in long run his departing was lamented but in the end it was the wise decision. My Boys are good but my Lakers suck ...But I didn't think either guy was worth max post injury. Just wish my teams traded them before they left ...
For the record never loved Dwight was wowed by his athleticism and defense though
Howard's mind, his faith is not connected to his profession. He embodies the notion of symbolism over substance.
Shaq had a great coach with a great system that extensively put him under the basket and in a position to succeed. Plus Shaq played on an era where the rules didn't favor guards as much as today and thus dominant big man where a premium commodity. Even at the top of his game, I can't see DHo having the same impact offensively nowadays.
d12 played in weak era of bigs with limited skill set or bigs past their prime still hangin around the league cause of the weak sauce at their position allowing them to play extending their careers...
d12 is an overrated hack
Bene, wasn't it you that congratulated me for showing up last June on the day you rang?
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