IMHO, what they do before and after the game, I have no problem. But during the game? They better get focus.
I liked the 80's style NBA better, that is just me. They make so much money now, different culture, not just Dwight. Still see some bad blood, but it is not quite the same level of intensity.
I admit that I'm not a fan of the friendly buddy buddy NBA of today. Could you imagine Hakeem laughing and joking, especially in public, with an opponent that just dropped 20-20? Deke would've dropped an elbow. Charles Oakley? Alonzo Mourning hugging Shaq after watching his team get smacked? HELL NO! But that's on the coach…he has to tell his players not to fraternise or joke around before, during or immediately after the game. I remember Rudy T calling out his players before the 1995 Finals game 2 practice just for being 'giddy' and over confident! After the all star break players have to come back focused…no swag champs, Just straight up O.G., Hardcore & ruthless. That being said…Dwight didn't jack up any of those 40 3 point shots tonight.
Yep back in the day we liked fights on the court and teammates punching teammates in practice. That is what true leader do.
Dwight is who he is, and he was the best when he had a boot in his ass coach, McHale is more of an enabler, than a disciplinarian. We are not going anywhere this year I think, our mix is wrong. DD
It's the same way in golf, players used to not talk, psyche each other, and stare. But in the old days you were playing for your livelihood. Guys that didn't win didn't make enough money to support their families. There was a desperation about beating the other guy. Now it's like in Little League where everyone gets a trophy; everyone competing on the big stage gets paid. It's neither good nor bad just different. It is after all just entertainment and the players are entertainers. The game is only played between the buzzers, when it's over it's done. Also, players move around so much more now. A player you hate on the court might be tour teammate next week. Who would have ever thought we would pull FOR jason Terry.
McHale is soft, he never holds anyone accountable and as such jokers like Dwight will continue clowning around. Also you have your priorities wrong in life if you idiolize Dwight or any other athlete and look at them as role models. APpreciate them for their talents on the court and that's about it. Your role models should be your parents etc.
If you want to see that attitude look no further than last years playoff series...He was very serious and dominated in the games that mattered the most, no smiles/jokes...He is who he is however, so your not going to see that attitude in the regular season especially in today's NBA where athletes are scrutinized for such actions...I'm not condoning this behavior, just telling it like it is I mean there were 10 players yucking it up in the middle of the court during the game as pointed out by Van Gundy...It's a different era
I'm okay with it, Dwight normally get pissed off on the court when the ref miss a call. Then he just start dunking on folks.
I don't think the OP is angry JUST because Dwight was smiling after a loss last night. It goes deeper than that and I think everyone here knows it. Dwight has been Mr. Happy-go-lucky his entire career. He has other players constantly calling him out for being soft. My belief is that where there is smoke, there's fire. Problem is, Dwight isn't 22 anymore. He's never going to change. So basically what you see is what you get with him. The sooner you understand that, the less angry you'll be. You just take the good with the bad like every other player in the league.
Dwight Howard doesn't give a **** when he's not playing. When he is playing, his effort level is dubious at best. I really think he's not that much of a difference maker. Totally overpaid.
