I dunno, it just feels as if he isn't putting 100% effort every night because he is saving his body for the playoffs when it really matters. With Harden playing like an MVP, it's not really something to be concerned with, just curious to see if anyone else feels this way after watching Howard play this season.
He definitely isn't giving 100%, for whatever reason. Seems they're placating him by going to him early and often.
His performance is sub-par this year but given he's the only player showed up in the last playoff series against Portland I would give him the benefit of the doubt. Let's wait till the All-Star break to make a real judgement.
he put up 24 and 17 against the spurs then followed it up with 13 and 5 against washington, i think he's struggling with getting used to recovery times.
He's declined athletically significantly, especially since coming back from the knee injury. He's also coasting, which makes it look worse. As long as he gives 20/10 in the playoffs, I'm fine with it. But he needs to step the effort up a bit to get a decent seed.
Going back to last season, it's always seemed to me that he becomes uninterested and kind of checks out if he isn't a focal point of the offense.
That seemed to have been the MO from the beginning of the season, I think. Feed Howard a lot in the post in the first half of the game, and then go to a perimeter attack more in the second half. Then go with what works at the end of the game, which is usually anything to do with Harden these days. It's the same pattern as the Yao-TMac era, and it makes sense because it utilizes the big man best when he's fresh and it can also tire out the opposing D. And IMO whenever a player is dealing with nagging injuries, it often looks as if he's slacking or distracted. Just have to wait until those injuries finally heal.
Hasnt looked right since he got back from the knee injury. But as long as the rockets keep winning and it heals for the playoffs it isnt too concerning. He'll probably start rounding into form after the all-star break
I don't know if he's coasting or if he's injured. He hasn't looked good since he hurt his shoulder and has been wearing that compression shirt under his jersey.
Not sure what's going on with him, but I don't like it. Wish he'd just play to his strengths, D, rebounding, PnR and be happy about it. The Rockets would be a lot better off.
Nothing like preseason rainbow farts & puff pieces! :grin: HAKEEM: HOWARD IS ‘READY’ FOR AN MVP-TYPE SEASON Healthy and more mature, Dwight Howard is ready to carry Houston to NBA’s elite
Does anyone think Howard has played poorly? Or just not up to the level we all know he can play? Memphis game aside, I don't recall him playing sub-par compared to anyone. Agree not as dominant as again Portland in the playoffs. Even though he's fit enough to play, injuries as you get older do take longer to heal 100%. We're good enough to make playoffs reasonably comfortably (I think) - so I'm hoping he'll step up another 30% come playoffs.
