Howard has been better so far, but it's a long season. After 60-70 games, then let's see who's the better player. From my standpoint, he does not displace Yao as best center based on the first 12-13 games of the season. Yao will get better and more comfortable with the new coach as the season progresses.
Here we go again!!!!! It's just like trying to compare Hakeem and Yao, two different types of players, two different eras, two different sets of Rules. In the case of Howard I thought he was a Power Forward not a Center! I stand open to correction on this point! Yao Ming does not seem like the player where his stats are an indication of his game. He seems orientated to the team concept, although I would like to see him as a dominent center I am beginning to think it is wishful thinking on my part. It possibly could be cultural differences that make him what he is!
i've heard enough, I want dwight with the houston rockets! maybe, He can dunk from 19 feet out in the high post =/
I think that raises another point. Howard doesn't take nights off on defense, and I could arguably make the case for him as a better defender than Shaq (he's really Garnett-like with his rebounding/shot blocking abilities). At the same time, Howard hasn't even come close to reaching his 'peak' offensively, and is at least 3-4 years removed from having a complete offensive game (assuming someone is teaching him baby hooks/turnaround jumpers and the like starting now). At his peak, Howard may equal Shaq offensively but will be a superior defender. The question is: can he be as dominant as Shaq was in his prime? He may even put up the same numbers but that doesn't necessarily mean that he's doing it in the same 'dominating' fashion.
If we use the Shaq system of ranking centers won't Dwight have to soundly outplay Yao whenever they meet AND put up noticeably better stats for 3+ years before we can even have this discussion? Oh, and I forgot that we have to premise each of those discussions with "Yao is still most dominant when he feels like it" or "Yao makes guys around him better"
I agree on most of what you say, but one thing is the comparisons to Shaq. I don't think there is anyone in the NBA, before or after that caused as many match up problems as number 32 , 34. He was a freak of nature, at 300 - 345 pounds moving around on basketball court....he outweigh the next biggest person in the NBA by a good 20 - 30 pounds. "He was a man among boys." Don't get me wrong, Howard will be great player, but look at how many other C/PF...there are in the league.....he won't be that much better than the likes of Boozer, Yi, Garnett, Hoford, and Bosh.
Good point to bring up. I don't think Howard will gain enough weight to be as physically dominant as Shaq. Just look at their game a few days ago. When Shaq decided to assert his strength, Howard was almost helpless to stop him. He made Howard look like a little boy. The key for Howard's future is skill development. The turnaround jump hook with his left hand is a nice touch. If this remains a steady weapon for him the entire season and he adds things throughout his career, Dwight Howard may end up an all-time great. It looks promising now but we should know for sure what track he is on in a couple of years. From his rookie season he's been one of my favorite players and I'm rooting for him. plutoblue11, have you seen Howard play much? He isn't at all like any of those players you mention.
He's different from those players, I was just saying that as far as production and head to head competition, that he is not that much better than players I mentioned.
C'mon, let's make some sense. Howard is only 22 and his production blows away several of those players.
Don't think he is better than Yao yet, but definitely he is better than Amare. Just image what kind of numbers he will put up if he plays with Nash..
its close. i think howard is probably a better defender. but his post moves are nothing compared to what yao has
Howard lowers his shoulder everytime in his low post play without being called a foul!! If the referee simply allow Yao to do that, he will be completely unstoppable. Don't forget Yao is also an excellent FT shooter, you can't foul him or you get punished on the line.
The reason yao needed a few years of great play to surpass shaq was because shaq is an all time great, a 4 time champion who managed to play well in the playoffs despite his inferior regular season stats to yao. Dwight howard on the other hand does not need better performance for an extended period to be considered better than yao because yao has not proven ANYTHING in the post season yet. I am eagerly anticipating the next yao howard matchup to see if howard is overrated or if he is the real deal.
Howard has a perfect NBA body... he's ridiculously sculpted and chiseled, yet is still as quick as he was when he was a senior in HS. He hasn't lost an ounce of quickness, jumping ability, or agility since adding the weight. In fact, he might of actually increased his athleticism. He's quite the specimen.
Howard is pretty good but I wouldnt say THE BEST.. Dwight Howard Height: 6-11 Weight: 265 lbs. PPG 23.5 (as of now) RPG 14.50 APG 1.5 Yao Ming Height: 7-6 Weight: 310 lbs. PPG 22.4 RPG 10.30 APG 2.5
