Off-Day Open Thread: Should Dwight Howard Have Played with Team U.S.A. This Summer?
by Evan Dunlap on Aug 22, 2010 12:00 AM EDT
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Watching Team U.S.A. struggle against a decidedly inferior Lithuanian team in an exhibition game yesterday--Chris Sheridan rather memorably wrote, "[t]o say they looked ordinary would be to give them an undeserved compliment"--I learned a few things: the European conversion rate on veteran savvy is steep, if Chauncey Billups' miserable play is any indication; a number of second-string NBA point guards could start for Lithuania, which could hardly dribble or pass against the U.S.A.'s press; and Team U.S.A.'s size deficit is as bad as advertised.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski elected to bring five point guards and just one center across the Atlantic for these exhibitions leading up to the FIBA World Championships. And as much respect as I have for Tyson Chandler, it's pretty obvious that rotating him and a trio of forwards (Lamar Odom, Kevin Durant, and Kevin Love) in the pivot is going to present problems for the United States; it's perfectly reasonable to view them as the underdogs, given their deficiencies in inside scoring as well as perimeter jump-shooting.
Which is where Dwight Howard fits in. Or would have, anyway.
Russell Westbrook, Andre Iguodala, and Rudy Gay feasted on the Lithuanian backcourt's many miscues yesterday, which fueled a 17-0 run in the second half and sealed the win for Team U.S.A. But relying on runouts to defeat the more talented Greek and Spanish teams is a risky proposition. And say what you will about Howard's low-post game--and plenty's been said about it--but there's no denying that he'd add a fairly bankable dimension to Team U.S.A.'s offense. And, as we know, he's no slouch defensively.
But Howard, like the rest of his teammates on the gold-medal-winning team at the 2008 Olympics, isn't with Team U.S.A. this summer. Instead, he's been promoting the NBA in India and China, with Bryan Meyer, a personal trainer from Altamonte Springs, in tow. Additionally, he's worked on his offensive skills with Hall-of-Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon in Houston.
ESPN's Bill Simmons, longtime a critic of Howard's, posted this message on his Twitter account when Team U.S.A. made some cuts last week.
Also: Howard was foolish for skipping this thing. Dwight, we've seen you play. Nobody needs the alpha dog reps more than you.
Marc Stein agreed with his ESPN colleague.
The exhibitions Howard is missing don't amount to a helluva lot. But winning the World Championships would secure a bid to the 2012 Olympics. And yes, the U.S. will eventually qualify even without a victory in the World Championships, but that's not really the issue: it could use Howard, and Simmons and Stein aren't alone in believing Howard could use the U.S.
So I turn the question over to you, Orlando Magic fans: should Howard have forgone his promotional work, as well as his session with Olajuwon, in order to add some superstar power to Team U.S.A.'s squad in the World Championships? Or did he make the right move by skipping out?
Interestingly, Spain faces Team U.S.A. today at 3 PM on ESPN. The Spanish team features NBAers Jose Calderon, Rudy Fernandez, and Marc Gasol; former NBA player Juan Carlos Navarro; and Ricky Rubio and Fran Vazquez, two lottery picks who have yet to join the NBA.
Limited to clean-up duty, Howard averaged 9.1 points and 6.1 boards on 74.5% shooting--and, thanks to his poor conversion at the foul line, a disappointing 57.7% True Shooting mark--during Team U.S.A.'s run to Olympic gold in 2008. There's no question he'd get more touches on this World Championships squad, though, as the team is without perimeter scoring aces Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Carmelo Anthony.
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He wasn't getting married or fighting a court case. He really didn't have any great reason to sit out.
So yeah, now both of Spain’s centers are better than our one center. And Simmons is right about that alpha dog theory.
The real "Masters of Panic" are commenting on this blog.
Yeah, I'm leaning towards this entire sentiment.
It’s not a big deal to me either way, but I think he could’ve used it almost as much as the US could’ve used him.
I love LeBron. No really, I love Jameer.
I support his decision
His first obligation is to the Orlando Magic and his personal improvement as a player. He’s taken those steps this summer by working with Olajuwon and trainers on his offensive game and as much as Bill Simmons wants to search for a reason to bag on Dwight, this isn’t that big of a deal.
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Yes he worked... spent so much time with Hakeem working...
Oh wait… what… two days? Oh man…
PURE DEDICATION MAN, I’M ALL PASSION
Was it literally two days?
damn.. : (
"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS
Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.
by Wasabi Steak on Aug 22, 2010 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm pretty sure it was more than two days.
It was like… two seperate stints of two days!
I love LeBron. No really, I love Jameer.
I call BS
“I wanted to tell you guys about what I was doing last week. I’m not just sitting around and feeling sorry for myself about losing to Boston. I decided to get back to work on my game immediately, so I went to Houston to work out with Hall of Fame center Hakeem "The Dream’’ Olajuwon. We worked three hours a day for five days last week.”
I think 5 is greater than 2.
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
I'll tell ya about the Magic It'll free your soul but it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock n roll
"This dude is huge....I've got to go home and eat like five chickens and put a lot of weight on. It's going to take a couple months, but seriously." - Marcin Gortat about Shaq.
by NC Magic Fan on Aug 22, 2010 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions
You really want to know what I honestly think?
I think Dwight is the kind of guy that just wants to have fun, you know, kid-like fun.
Then, because people expect him to train like a Kobe Bryant, he says the right things… he seems so fake to me for some reason. He’s talking in stereotypes… just to keep it safe.
He thinks 5 days of work with Hakeem is “enough” or something? Kobe would probably use 3 months to work – these 5 days… Dwight thinks the opposite.
Now of course – you can use another etalon to compare him with than Kobe, and Kobe’s work ethic, but when you “pretend” you want to be the best blah blah blah you use Kobe’s etalon. You use the best for comparison.
Dwight just says the right things, goes on with his life, and just works on his game because he’s told to do it and not because he’s like “OMG, I need to WIN the title”.
At least this is what I believe.
You talk as if...
his 5 days of training with Hakeem is the only practice or gym work he’s done this offseason. Hakeem has a life besides training Dwight, DH has to find other means of improvement such as personal trainers. None of what you said makes any sense….
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Somebody did ask Kobe . . . and Kobe said he spent exactly 2 hours with Hakeem one week before training camp last year
Dwight spent 15 hours in 5 days with Hakeem and says he will revisit him again later this summer. All Hakeem can do is teach Dwight the fundamentals, and it is up to Dwight to put in the hours of work to become comfortable and incorporate it into his game.
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
by funny80sguy on Aug 23, 2010 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions
And that is not to say I necessarily disagree with your opinion on Dwight's work ethic because I don't truly know, but . . .
Dwight is already the best center in the league AND he does show improvement each year whether it be his offense or defense, so he must be doing something right with his game and offseason work.
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
by funny80sguy on Aug 23, 2010 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree about that
But, as a non-believer, I’ll believe it when I see it on the floor.
And I don't think the limiting factor is Hakeem's time
I think it’s Dwight’s
You're right.
Hakeem doesn’t have a life now that he’s been retired for several years after spending, what, 30 years with basketball?
I’m sure his schedule isn’t as filled as Dwight’s, but I think if we expect Hakeem to give anymore time to Dwight’s development, he’d have to be on our payroll.
I love LeBron. No really, I love Jameer.
Olajuwon devotes a lot of time to his faith, which is the main reason why he's not on an NBA coaching staff
by Evan Dunlap on Aug 23, 2010 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions
The last I heard, he was spending most of his time overseas
He spends 8-9 months a year in Jordan, and only comes back to the States for a couple of months a year.
Honor is no substitute for victory.
Why is it unreasonable?
I mean, it doesn’t make any sense. Nobody stops him to train like Kobe. It is his decision not to.
So the difference between Kobe and Dwight
Is like between the Beatles and a random garage band? I thought Dwight was an all star and “the best center on the planet”.
Doesn’t sound like a “garage player” to me. So you get where I’m taking this.
He worked with Hakeem and...
has been working with personal trainers. Sounds like you’ve got some other issues with Dwight….did you bet on team U.S.A or something?
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I don't have issues with Dwight other than acknowledging how good he could be if he would genuinely had the passion
He has a handful of problems that can easily be corrected, yet he doesn’t correct them. Therefore you can only think he doesn’t really care that much about correcting them in the first place.
obviously dedicating himself to be the best defensive player in the league the past two years means he has no passion
he isnt going to develop into a 25+ point scorer overnight, if he ever gets to that level offensively at all.
Him being a good defender is a side effect of natural athleticism and natural "good timing"
Thumbs up for the effort though, that’s a positive that is meritory for him. You can have all the athleticism, timing and whatelse, but if you don’t give the effort…
But then again, it should be expected to give your best effort at this level (unless you’re named Vince).
You can look at Dwight for about a half a second and see his work ethic
You arent born with body like that. His genetics may have made him 6’11", but he works his a$$ off. Athletic ability isnt something you are born with, genetics help, but you still have to work for it. As a coach once said to our team “theres a buncha guys out there that are 6’6”, but only one of them is Michael Jordan".
You mean, only one guy has the genetics of Jordan
I can tell you, as a guy who spends A LOT (A LOT!) of time studying athleticism – some guys are just born with it. Dwight only worked to get bulked, which can be achieved by eating a lot and a mediocre workout plan (when you have the genetics).
It’s funny, I always laugh with my friend about how silly the NBA workouts are vs. what they really should be doing.
Like I said, genetics help
But they arent everything. I will certainly concede its easier for some to develop a 40" vertical jump or run a 4.5 40 than others (I will ignore the elephant in the room when discussing athletic ability to avoid a larger, more sensitive subject). The point the coach was trying to make was that Jordan was the hardest working man in the game. Granted an exaggerated point, but it was well recieved by a buncha 16-17 year olds. We know his hard work combined with his genetics made him the greatest player in the modern era. He didnt come out of the womb and just walk onto a court with those abilities. Same with Dwight, it may have been easier for him to develop that physique than others, but he wasnt born with it. Gotta admit, few if any on the planet can do the things Dwight does.
I'd go on and say that yes, he was born with it
What he does in the weight room is kind of irrelevant. He could do anything, have the worst strength program, and he would still gain strength. Especially at what nutritional plans the teams in the NBA have.
Jordan probably used roids as well, when he got into baseball, and then came back into the NBA with the idea that “hey, these guys in baseball use roids… let me check… that would really give me the upperhand against basketball players”. Anything’s possible (even though I’m sounding like a conspiracist in here).
Roids dont explain Jordans first run in the NBA
But, they are prevelant in all sports these days. Im waiting for basketballs big blow up. Shards little fall off last year cant be ignored. Roids are the reason I quit playing football after HS. Didnt want any part of that, but everyone I knew that played at the next level did a cycle or 2 a year, even the kickers. They are as much a part of the NFL now as the freakin ball. When you have 300 pounders running the 40 in 5 seconds, its a pretty good indicator their on a little something more than a high protein diet.
Yeah, I just hate the hypocrisy where everybody is so "wow, he can't... he can't be taking roids... I can't believe it!" kind of mental state
Everybody acts like it’s just an exception when it is in fact the rule.
Like LeBron was saying about Shard some time ago that it wasn’t cool etc etc etc that he took what he took, and I was always laughing with my friends about LeBron’s shoulder marks that are consistent with roid users.
Even Superman needs his rest!!
The point of two years ago was to prove to the world who was the best. Done. It is no longer important now. Time to get back to their lives and focus on them now.
Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.
I guess Simmons and Stein don't think the other 11 members of the 2008 team would help?
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
I'll tell ya about the Magic It'll free your soul but it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock n roll
"This dude is huge....I've got to go home and eat like five chickens and put a lot of weight on. It's going to take a couple months, but seriously." - Marcin Gortat about Shaq.
by NC Magic Fan on Aug 22, 2010 7:39 AM EDT reply actions
I'd rather have him resting and working with Hakeem than playing in the championships
I don’t care really, but Team USA needs him. They’ve got nobody at C.
by Ol' Uncle Munnerlyn on Aug 22, 2010 9:10 AM EDT reply actions
NBA brand should matter
It is a short-sighted view not to care about U.S. basketball reputation at global level since it is connected to NBA brand. To keep the NBA brand strong, and attract good foreign players – Fran Vasquez not included – we need to keep the aura of U.S. basketball at a level which has been historically maintained.
Having said that, I don’t second guess the decision made by Dwight and/or Magic brass to exclude him from the world championship team. There is a limit to how far a body could be pushed. Leading the league in rebounds and blocks for two consecutive years does not come about at a low cost, even for Superman. I have not seen an official announcement on why Dwight has been kept out – that is if there was any – but connecting it to his work with Hakeem is plain absurd.
Nope
I think the rest will do him and the Magic some good.
Simmons Alpha Dog Argument Bunk
I really have an issue with Simmons Alpha Dog argument. It is extremely difficult for a big man like Howard (i.e. one without a jumper) to dominate in international basketball. I think playing the summer would have only led to frustration. Howard needs to focus on his individual game and take that to the next level.
As far as Simmons’ idea of an “Alpha Dog.” It is either something you have or you don’t. Kobe has an incredible competitive fire within him. That is a natural part of his personality, it is not something manufactured.
Why not say LeBron James needs to be in Turkey with this team to develop his “Alpha Dog” mentality. The only really successful teams he has been on, he couldn’t will his team to a championship with. He needs an Alpha Dog like Dwyane Wade to carry him to a title.
Philip,
Orlando Magic Daily
OrlandoMagicDaily.com
Watching this USA-Spain game...
I cant help but think Dwight would have a field day in these World Championship.
"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS
Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.
Team USA Blowing it!
"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS
Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.
Saved by the Rubio indecision
Yeah Let me reiterate: Dwight would have had a field day against teams like Lithuania and Spain
"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS
Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.
Absurd.
I would have loved for Dwight to play, but it is his right not to. He dedicated his off time to the USA team already, and has said he would again in the future. If the guy needs to spare mileage on his body then good for him. Ask Yao how playing every summer works out. I find it funny that these sports enthusiasts find it okay to criticize Dwight but none of the other MIA’s. Especially since Dwight takes more of a pounding then any of them through the course of a season. Alpha dog statement is pure hypocrisy, the international game is built for wing scorers not low post. And with the USA playing a fast pace game, those are extra miles on Dwight’s engine. I find it disrespectful when players don’t play for the national team, but Dwight has, and even has said he will again. Ragging on him for taking a summer off is pretty selfish coming from guys that don’t donate their time for the betterment of the nation.
If you were a man I would punch you, right in the mouth.
Too much risk for no reward.
No reward for Dwight or the Magic, at least. He’d probably help the team, but there’s nothing he’d learn from playing a fundamentally different style of play alongside guys he doesn’t play with in the regular season.
And they wouldn’t use him in the offense anyway — they have so many versatile wing scorers (and/or ball hogs) already, He’d just be there for rebounding and defense. He’s good enough at those things already.
What does Dwight need? He needs post moves… he’s working on post moves. He needs rest… he’s getting that. That’s all he needs right now.
Basketball trivia time! The Orlando Magic used 12 players during the 2009-10 season. How many of them posted an eFG% lower than Carmelo Anthony?
Why is THIS on Howard???
I don’t hear ANYONE pulling this crap on the “OTHER” , more familiar “Threesome” from the “OTHER” Florida team… pure BS I say!!!
He already played for the Olympic Team; and has a GOLD ring to prove it. He has stated he will play for Team USA in the future…
Right NOW, like for THOSE “other” Threesome, the GOAL is… winning a Championship for Orlando… NOW!!!
GO DWIGHT!
by manny55 on Aug 22, 2010 11:46 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Complete double standard.
Dwight has a gold medal and has been playing at an amazingly high level for several years straight in the NBA. He doesn’t have to prove himself in the international game to gain any sort of alpha dog status.
The reason they have a small argument is because Dwight would’ve really stood out since all of the other players from the previous team aren’t going to be on the next team. The point Simmons and Stein are making is that Dwight would benefit from being the top guy on the USA olympic team. Rather than last time where he was certainly an integral part but not the top guy.
As an Orlando Magic fan, I think I would rather Dwight have some rest and focus on the season that is upcoming. There is so much more pressure on us this year due to the developments in the rest of the Eastern Conference. The ESPN guys are looking at it from an overall basketball universe perspective and I respect that. But as a Magic fan, I’m glad Dwight is focusing on the season.
The intensity has to go up, up! Not down...UP! -Stan Van Gundy
Its a lose-lose situation for Howard
If he goes to Worlds, and then during the season he gets injured or something, they would be quick to blame the fact that he had gone to the competition as the reason for him “wearing down” or getting the injury.
Even if he had gone, none of these guys would be singing his praises. It would be a total non-story if he was there.
Yeah, he'd have to average something like 25-15-4 for it to be a story of him being there.
I love LeBron. No really, I love Jameer.
He has nothing to prove
The world knows who he is already and if we lose, which we might with our scruby team then maybe they can all be back and claim the trophy again.Plus the wear put on him is not worth it for the magic organization.
I would have been more excited about watching if Dwight was in the tournment
but I understand he needs his rest also
Bill Simmons wants to search for a reason to bag on Dwight, this isn’t that big of a deal.
That reason because he thought Emeka would be better then Dwight.http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/040625 .After the Magic beat the celtics in 09 playoffs,He’s one of the guys who started “Dwight has no offense thing”. I think Simmons is funny and I think he knows a lot about basketball but he rips on any laker or rivals of the celtics.Also in his book he says 86 celtics were betten the 96 bulls .I recommend his basketball book its funny and he knows a lot about basketball I would’ve thought his favorite is the NFL
He should have gone and just taken a buncha 15 jumpers
But seriously, hes done his bit for king and country……or president and country…….or…..whatever. I agree with everyone thats said he takes enough of a beating during the season. He needs some time at the Fortress of Solitude with Marlon Brando (Hakeem).
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