Stan Van Gundy Calls Dwight Howard's Work with Hakeem Olajuwon "Overblown"
by Evan Dunlap on Jan 5, 2011 11:37 PM EST
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PrintOrlando Magic center Dwight Howard made a highly publicized visit to Houston this summer in order to work with Rockets Hall-of-Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon, specifically to expand his low-post repertoire. Video of their session hit the internet, and now a meme has taken hold in the NBA world: when Howard scores in the post, it's probably because Olajuwon taught him how.
The Magic players have mocked that line of thinking for a while now. After a game several weeks ago, Magic power forward Brandon Bass jokingly referred to Howard as "Hakeem," then quickly turned away from Howard and brushed his hair to hide his laughter. The idea is the praise of Olajuwon has gone too far. And coach Stan Van Gundy has had enough of it.
Howard made two jumpers against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night, which prompted one member of the media to ask Van Gundy about Howard's work with Olajuwon. He winced a bit, and then delivered this classic response.
"Well, that's a little overblown. His shot has been good.
"I will say this, and this isn't a knock on anybody, but Hakeem's gotten more credit for two hours [of work] than anybody I've ever seen. They were in a gym for two hours, three hours. And all of a sudden every shot Dwight makes is because of Hakeem.
"No knock on Hakeem, he's a great guy and everything, but there's not anybody alive that's turning somebody's game around in three hours. That's just not it. Dwight's done a lot of work, and I'm sure Hakeem gave him some advice, but that's starting to annoy me a little bit."
Here, Van Gundy paused, and seemed to realize he had gone far afield. So he gave the reporter something more about Howard's game to work with.
"But yeah, he's making that bank shot a little bit and keeping people off balance and I think it's good."
Count me squarely in Van Gundy's camp here. There ought to be no question Olajuwon's work with Howard has paid off, but we need to maintain perspective here: Howard did not work with Olajuwon as extensively as he's worked with the Magic's own assistant coaches over the year, from Clifford Ray as a rookie to Patrick Ewing now. Let's recognize folks outside Olajuwon who've helped mold Howard's game over the last seven seasons.
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I don't agree
Listen say what you want but Dwight plays a lot more confident on offense. And that is because of Hakeem. SVG is just defending Ewing. But I honestly believe The Dream did more in three days than Chewing has done in three years. It is something stat only people won’t see. Not singling anyone out, seriously, but Dwight is a much different player this year. The confidence and aggression are up compared to the past. I would rather have Hakeem on the coaching staff compared to Patrick. Everyone would be doing the dream shake.
by Mateo9399 on Jan 5, 2011 11:47 PM EST via mobile reply actions
That's because Ewing's purpose is to be an off-the-court mentor for Dwight.
Plus be, you know, AN ASSISTANT COACH.
I write for Magic Basketball and have a Twitter account.
I don't buy this.
Not saying Olajuwon was the answer, but we can’t say that Ewing’s not responsible for on-court stuff at the same time we’re saying Ewing’s an assistant coach.
What do assistant coaches do?
Ewing is a Hall of Famer at Dwight’s position, and we’re saying he doesn’t have any special coaching tips for Dwight? It would be a failure of management to have a HOF center on your coaching staff and not have him work with your future HOF center.
I never said that.
But Ewing’s primary purpose has always been more to be an off-the-court mentor for Dwight.
I write for Magic Basketball and have a Twitter account.
Give credit to the Dream,
haven’t seen this kind of stuff until this year, which is after he worked with the Dream. Ewing is a mentor off court and doesn’t do much for Dwight on court which is what they have always said. The Dream is the man Stan is just pissed that he is getting credit for helping Dwight. Don’t think he should have went there.
Yeah Stan is mad that Dwight sought out help from someone.
Do you realize how stupid that sentence sounds???
Stan is only pissed because people think the ONLY reason Dwight improved offensively was because of the three hour session he spent with Hakeem. No one wants to give Dwight any credit for working on his game. The pundits have been wrong for 3 or 4 seasons now about his “complete lack of an offensive game.” When he came into the league, he was very raw, but he has developed nicely. If he had the benefit of getting every foul that was committed against him called, he would probably average 15+ foul shots per game. His offensive game hasn’t changed a ton, he is just executing things better, and making better decisions.
On this we do agree.
Okay, a simple "wrong" would've done just fine.
Hello, handsome, is that a ten-gallon hat or are you just enjoying the show?
by Both_Teams_Played_ on Jan 6, 2011 8:08 PM EST up reply actions
So from 2004 until 2009... Dwight just improved out of nowhere?
Just because a video went viral, everybody’s talking about it. What if Karl Malone filmed his sessions/1-on-1’s with Dwight?
Yeah, apparently Dwight just came out of nowhere this year and never had an offense before this.
Nothing to do with the fact that, hey, he’s 25 years old and will be improving. It’s not like he dropped 40 on an opponent in a closing Game 6 in the ECF two years ago.
Oh yeah, and let’s not give Dwight any credit at all either for any of this. He’s been too busy wrapped up in making kids albums and movies to want to work on his game.
"We just want to chill" - Chris Bosh.
Proud Jameer and Rashard apologist since '07
Didn't say that.
I said the mental aspect of the game. His confidence. To me it finally got through to his head that he can make mistakes. Aren’t we all saying he is playing better this year? Yes Dwight has improved every year. Yes the coaching staff has done great with him. Hakeem didn’t teach him defense. But Dwight’s mental approach to the game is different this year.
Yeah, he's getting more T's than ever before!
"We just want to chill" - Chris Bosh.
Proud Jameer and Rashard apologist since '07
I have said it before and I will say it again
Last year againt the Cavaliers back in Feb. Dwight missed a bank shot pretty bad. Never shot one again the rest of the season. Ever. Never said Dwight lacked the offense. I have always believe they were there. We have seen it. But the confidence was never there. If he missed a certain shot bad he would never use it again. Hakeem basically told him the same thing. I don’t think he improved his actual game just more of the mental side.
Stan doesn't have to defend Ewing because the Olajuwon thing should not be viewed as an indictment of our coaching staff.
Howard came straight out of high school. There was a time where it was actually a serious debate whether Okafor or Dwight was the better pick. Howard is the best center in the league and has been for many years. He was extremely raw coming out of high school. Obviously the coaching staff has had a big part in helping him realize his potential.
Why can’t we accept that Olajuwon AND Ewing AND Stan AND the rest of the Magic organization have helped Howard?
We should get Hakeem on the economy, the environment, and the housing market. Also, he's a genie.
I also have it, on my own authority, that I am an expert on this stuff.
I'm just saying: What if "being right" and "having the last post" as an anonymous personality on a sports blog aren't really big deals?
That would be a "Dream" scenario.
Jk jk. But look at Kobe. Kobe is basically a small Hakeem now. Learned a lot from him as well.
I was kidding as well. It was a reaction to the article.
But you have to admit, Hakeem would look a lot better in that Shazam outfit than Shaq did.
I also have it, on my own authority, that I am an expert on this stuff.
I'm just saying: What if "being right" and "having the last post" as an anonymous personality on a sports blog aren't really big deals?
I'm sure SVG is thinking..
“Now if you could find someone to get Dwight to make 80% from the FT Line, that guy.. that guy I’ll give all the adulation in the world.”
JJ should give Howard a copy of "Better Basketball" for Xmas! :-P
by The BBQ Chicken Madness on Jan 6, 2011 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
Looks like Dwight needs to visit Mark Price this off-season
I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?
by Souwantmyname on Jan 6, 2011 5:50 PM EST up reply actions
Hakeem
Traded for Gilbert Arenas.
Hakeem taught JJ to shoot threes.
Hakeem showed Turk how to be a playmaker again.
Hakeem brought Rhino out of the doghouse.
by eltharion_doa on Jan 6, 2011 3:34 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I like the idea of Hakeem telling Hedo "ball."
by Evan Dunlap on Jan 6, 2011 3:40 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
rec
Otis Smith, what you've just done is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard of. At no point in your rambling, incoherent trades were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone on this blog is now dumber for having witnessed it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
by MoveThoseChains on Jan 6, 2011 9:35 AM EST up reply actions
Hedo: So Hakeem whats the lesson today
Hakeem: Ball
Hedo: Ok I’m ready to uhh- Wait Thats It
Hakeem: Yes Turkyshoe You had it all alonggggg (Then He floats away as if a genie)
On a serious note what i said earlier Hakeem did help with confidence but every time he makes a bank shot they mention Hakeem. But still to this day people will tell me that Dwight has 0 post moves ZERO.
I agree with that
Hakeem didn’t teach him offense or defense. He had all those. Hakeem just enforced into his head to be much more confident. More assassin mode.
I think you're overblowing confidence.
I could play with all the confidence in the world, but if I didn’t have other coaches (as well as myself) actually teaching me offensive moves, I’d still be as terrible at basketball as I am right now. Plus Hakeem’s not out there on the court; you’re selling Dwight short. Stan’s 100% right here.
Otis Smith, what you've just done is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard of. At no point in your rambling, incoherent trades were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone on this blog is now dumber for having witnessed it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
by MoveThoseChains on Jan 6, 2011 9:37 AM EST up reply actions
No way.
You are totally disregarding the mental aspects of sports. Dwight had the moves already. Hakeem told him this. He noticed that he lacked confidence. Some words can stay with people and impact them the rest of their lives.
Are we saying the same thing?
Yes, he told him to be more confident, but Hakeem didn’t do much beyond that. Hence his influence is overblown, and every time Dwight does something good on the offensive end, it is not necessary to say anything about Hakeem.
Otis Smith, what you've just done is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard of. At no point in your rambling, incoherent trades were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone on this blog is now dumber for having witnessed it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
by MoveThoseChains on Jan 6, 2011 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
I think we are.
I just think the mental aspect of the game is huge. I know it doesn’t show up in stats. Yes we do agree, every time he scores is not because of Hakeem. I think it is overblown in the fact of his offensive maturity in moves, but not his offensive maturity mentally.
It's true that Hakeem inspired him to be more aggressive.
Dwight says as much to the media. It’s not really debatable.
The media only shows love to offense, so now that Dwight is throwing down his offensive game it’s like he’s finally arriving as a player. Never mind the complete defensive dominance for the last 4 years or so.
On that end of the floor, I’m sure it doesn’t hurt to have one of the most fluid low-post players ever, who was able to outplay two of the best centers of his era—David Robinson AND Patrick Ewing—on his way to two championships telling you, “Nobody can stop you. Let me show you why….”
don't forget Shaq
"Evan!
Unban me from the OPP!"...........David Polega
by AB's triple double on Jan 6, 2011 9:45 AM EST up reply actions
I'm selectively leaving that out!
This is an Orlando fan site!
Still, you’re right. Dude was lights out on the Big Rental. Shaq, even with that giant ego of his, knows to give props to The Dream.
I think David Robinson said it best: “Hakeem? You don’t solve Hakeem.”
Nobody here accuses Hakeem not to the man ! Hakeem was the best of them all
at his prime and is an amazing human beeing. We’re just tired of people finding excuses everytime Dwight shows his offensive skills.
Don't mind my spelling. I'm a Typo Master.
Yeah
He has been the best defensive player in the last four years, and he miht the best defender of the last 10 years or so. He literally changes the game no matter who plays. John Schumann did a stat last year. Even the mighty LeBron suffers offensively when he plays against Dwight. Also the confident thing. These players think while on the court. At the free throw line. When they shoot a three. When they take a jump shot. Confidence makes a big difference on the court. Just don’t be overconfident.
I doubt you can change someones game in a few hours as well
But you can give them new things to work on, show them how it’s done and, have them practice without you for months and change their game. I don’t give The Dream all the credit but I would give him ALOT. Let’s be real. If Ewing was a great or even good coach why hasn’t Howard displayed that 15 footer Ewing was known for? How many years have they been together?
And how many coaching opportunities passed him by?
Agree with that last part.
100%. Again I don’t give Hakeem the credit for teaching the moves. He had him. He basically told Dwight to not be afraid of failure. If you miss a shot, even it is a bad miss, it is ok. Keep shooting. Also Ewing not getting a coaching job should be indicitive about his head coaching capabilities.
Dwight doesn't use his Hakeem moves!
I watched that video time and time again, trying to see what Dwight had developed. And I thought he had some great moves there, but now I see that he just does what he is used to. The best move Hakeem taught Dwight, was to jump to receive passes in the post, and then as soon as his feet touch the ground, quickly make his move so the defense doesn’t have time to push him off the block. Dwight hasn’t used ANY of the moves in that video, he just resorts to his running hooks, and ugly head fakes. If Dwight had an offensive game, the Magic wouldn’t be scoffed at like they always are.
All I keep reading is Dwight Offense
The man is taller, and jumps higher than most people he plays against, of course he’s going to score points when he shoots more than anyone on the team. His game is still extremely raw, he lacks a legitimate offensive game. Hakeem-Shaq-Ewing-Duncan-Wilt-Oscar all had redic offensive games 28ppg players. Dwight is a 20ppg player.
Oscar was a PG...
Hakeem, Shaq, Ewing, Duncan, Wilt… those were all guys that were the focal points of the offense. Their teams needed them to score. Dwight is the focal point of the offense, but moreso in a way where they use him to collapse the D to open up open 3’s for our terrific shooters.
Now, all those guys you mentioned certainly have better offensive games, but as MagicMark said, they’re the best offensive centers ever, along with Kareem and David Robinson of course. Dwight is still one of the best post players in the league today, in a game that’s increasingly tailored for guard play, and he’s better defensively than all the players on that list with the exception of Hakeem and maybe Duncan too.
"We just want to chill" - Chris Bosh.
Proud Jameer and Rashard apologist since '07
You know
Shaq’s offensive game was not pretty either. He was just 350 lbs and nobody could move him. Seriously what is Shaq’s move tha he is known for? Anyone? Anyone? Exactly. Lacks a legitimate offensive game? You sure? Do you need to watch the 09 ECF? That was when he was still raw. Seriously grow up. Dwight’s offense is good. Is he Amar’e? No. Guess what he doesn’t have to be.
shaq had that pivot to the baseline bank shot
worked all the time
by MasterofMagic on Jan 6, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
Shaq has a very nice baby hook shot.
He also used to be able to run the floor like a wing player when he first came into the league. Shaq is also one of the best passing big men in recent memory too.
"We just want to chill" - Chris Bosh.
Proud Jameer and Rashard apologist since '07
Yes but he did not have a specific go to move
Like the Dream Shake. Duncan Bank shot. Patrick Ewing jumpshot. Kareem Sky Hook. Shaq just physically dominated everyone. His moves are similar to Dwight, just a lot more fluid. Dwight does have the Duncan bank shot going for him when he uses it.
The only real difference between the 2 is that Shaq has better touch
Both are still pure power offensive players
I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?
by Souwantmyname on Jan 6, 2011 6:00 PM EST up reply actions
Shaq's go to move is to physically overpower someone.
As it should be. It’s his strength, why not use it? And as Souwantmyname remarked, he also had better touch than Dwight. What, do you think should’ve developed a jump shot? Because I think his career results will show that was absolutely unnecessary. The other “signature moves” you mentioned were jump shots except for the sky hook, and the sky hook was just taking advantage of Kareem’s advantage over opposing players (length).
The goal in basketball is to get yourself in the position to take the highest percentage shot possible. Shaq’s gift was that he could get himself in position to take short baby hooks more than any of those other players. He should certainly not be criticized for it. And neither should Dwight.
"We just want to chill" - Chris Bosh.
Proud Jameer and Rashard apologist since '07
Yeah we agree
Its that Magic of mark or whatever who really just comes of as a troll to try and get people fired up
I think he meant Master of Magic
similar names
Excuse me while I whip this out.
by TheGiantSquid on Jan 7, 2011 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
Thank God I don't have "Magic" in my user name,
"We just want to chill" - Chris Bosh.
Proud Jameer and Rashard apologist since '07
TheMagicGiantSquid?
Excuse me while I whip this out.
by TheGiantSquid on Jan 7, 2011 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
perfect!
needs moar numbers though
Excuse me while I whip this out.
by TheGiantSquid on Jan 7, 2011 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
TheMagicalSquidlikeAdventuresOfDavidMarkPolenga'sEmporium14369420
"We just want to chill" - Chris Bosh.
Proud Jameer and Rashard apologist since '07
Dammit, cut off my own post....
“TheMagicalSquidlikeAdventuresOfDavidMarkPolenga’sEmporiumIn3.3Seconds14369420”
"We just want to chill" - Chris Bosh.
Proud Jameer and Rashard apologist since '07
And again! I give up.
"We just want to chill" - Chris Bosh.
Proud Jameer and Rashard apologist since '07
lol :D
Excuse me while I whip this out.
by TheGiantSquid on Jan 7, 2011 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
Ok look i understand all the other centers had great offensive games.
But thats because they demand the ball, or Howard dont not want to take that many shots. All the others had way more shot attempts so yea there are gonna score more. Dwight already has a high percentage from the field.
Either Way, Dwight is just not a offensive juggernaut like he could/should be
He should dominate games because of his physical prowess, but his child-like persona allows the KG’s of the NBA to take his lunch money all the time.
I say the big guy needs 15-16 shots a game
and all that anger he shows towards the refs should be aimed at the opposing team on the court.
Which is why
He has led his team to three straight division titles. One Finals appereance, and back to back ECF appearences. Yeah ok defintely not a juggernaut. You know sometimes I just don’t understand fans.
That’s why for the last four years he’s been third, third, sixth, and first in eFG%, despite being a horrible FT shooter, and is fourth all-time in eFG%, behind Shaq, Artis Gilmore, and Mark West?
Honor is no substitute for victory.
Oh facts. How silly they make people appear.
"We just want to chill" - Chris Bosh.
Proud Jameer and Rashard apologist since '07
sssshhhhhh!
Okay, a simple "wrong" would've done just fine.
Hello, handsome, is that a ten-gallon hat or are you just enjoying the show?
by Both_Teams_Played_ on Jan 6, 2011 9:59 PM EST reply actions
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