Orlando Magic News for February 3rd: Dwight Howard's Left Hand and Defense

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard explains how he developed a soft touch around the basket with both hands, and how it helps his offensive game.

I made three straight left-handed hook shots on Tuesday against Milwaukee when the double-team came from the top side. Then, in the second half when they didn’t double team I could get to the middle of the lane and get to my right-handed hook shot.

Kelly Dwyer of Ball Don't Lie includes Howard on his list of candidates for this year's Defensive Player of the Year award; he omitted Howard entirely in his last update:

Was I previously a bit too harsh on Howard based on his impact relative to where it was last season? Perhaps. Am I still that way? Perhaps. I'm a sportswriter, after all. Truth isn't always what we're after.

Magic assistant coach Patrick Ewing will serve as the head coach of the Sophomore squad during the NBA Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam on Friday, February 12th. Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh will join Ewing as an assistant.

Mike Prada of SB Nation goes through each of the NBA's 30 teams, analyzes their assets and needs, and identifies potential trade partners. An excellent, thorough, well-written piece, and I'm not just saying that because he consulted me before writing the Magic section.