People are pretty much hypocrites. Certain players are criticized no matter what they do others you can't criticize at all. It's just the way it is, unfortunately.
I lol at the people who judge the value of a player based on a few pre-season games. They call these games pre-season for a reason.
Bo Outlaw actually had a solid jumper on him. Nontheless, Outlaw was a scrapper Howard is a Porscha on defense.
Whilst I've been shaking my head at some of the moves Dwight has tried to accomplish in the post - I don't judge his success purely based on his point production and made/missed field goals. The run-off effect of having Dwight on this team is what I've noticed already in just these pre-season games. And that has been a huge success. I loved Asik last season, I thought he was a terrific defender. I am left beside myself at how Dwight can look even better out there. His deflections, his contesting and changing normal shots into ridiculous shots for the other team - I'm sure I'm not the only one who was grinning ear to ear when his monster blocks sparked a James Harden-lead fast break. Granted Dwight isn't the greatest offensive player, having him on the team has at least sparked something in Harden's mind where he realises he has help on that side of the ball and doesn't have to exert 100% effort on offense alone. Again although it's only pre-season - the effort on defense I've seen from Harden is night and day to last season. I was watching Game 5 of last year's series when we won in OKC and noticed the beautiful P'n'R lanes Asik ran. Even though we have barely seen it - that P'n'R game with Howard is going to not only make Harden/Lin look amazing by finishing off their sneaky smooth passes - it is also going to make the game easier for those two when they choose to take it themselves. We even saw how easy it was for Harden to stroll into the key on his drive due to the fact Howard's man stayed with him and couldn't double off of him. Nobody could stop James getting to the basket even when they tried to clog the lane with Asik's man doubling over. What on earth is going to stop him now? So yeah... Regardless of Dwight posting sub-10 point games. I've thrilled with Dwight's performance so far.
Let the man learn and adjust. He's trying stuff out. I for one don't care if he doesn't start the season putting up 20 points per game.
This is what Howard needed: <iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5w-G-0KvotY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Its pre-season...and even in pre-season D12 has shown his value to the Rockets. Concerned? Not in the least. Anticipating a great season? Absolutely
One word: Disappointing. I was expecting a hungry Dwight who wanted to prove people wrong but I didn't see any improvement in his game.
agreed media is gonna be all over the guy if he doesn't do better. with the trajectory Asik was on (10 pts, 12 rebs last yr), I think with no Dwight Asik would have gotten to about 14 and 13 this year while playing great defense so we need at least 18 and 13 from Dwight otherwise we could have just started Asik at Center and used the money on a PF
Perfectly happy with Howard so far. We reallly aren't running a ton of pick and roll (IMO) so I have to think they are saving that in a way. Asik allows Howard to play more aggressive and keeps us competitive when Howard has to go to the bench. We will bludgeon and then run teams to death. I believe we will be in the finals this year. Just keep this group together and let them play the whole year.
Except Asik doesn't change the game as much as Dwight does while being on the floor. It's not always about box scores.
