Ok. So, I think the subject of Dwight Howard and his effectiveness/role in the playoffs is a very interesting one with a wide range of possible opinions. I am interested to see where the majority of CF stands on this. Disclaimer: No, Howard should not/will not be traded. However, his recent play is worthy of questioning.
Seems like he's still not 100%. I dont really care how he performs during the regular season as long as they can secure the top 3-4 seed. If Dwight can perform like he did in the playoffs last year, and Harden can bring his MVP level of play to the playoffs, this is going to be a VERY tough team to defeat, regardless of the opponent.
I would go with #3 but there are a lot of "depends". Depends on if the team is the same as it is right now (could be trades or injuries) specifically Dmo. As many have pointed out Dmo is a much better option in the post. Also depends on the match up. I think this thread would be more relevant going into the playoffs.
I for one think that a lot of people here have the impression that Dwight will beast in the playoffs because he played well last year. Honestly that performance was fool's gold, Portland decided to just live with Dwight going 1 on 1 against Lopez as long as they'd cut off Harden's drives, which is why Dwight was able to score so much. I also think that his performance was just a stroke of pure luck and not a result of increased focus or increased playoffs physicality or whatever.
As always, a team isn't as simple as just its best two players. But assuming that we get consistent MVP Harden, that Ariza and Bev are shooting at least 38% from three, and that the PF slot is at least producing as much as it has in the previous month, I don't think 20 and 10 Howard is necessary for a title. 14 and 10 will do if his defense (and Harden's) are more like this week than late December. If Ariza keeps shooting 32%, frankly I think we're done regardless of what Dwight does.
he's not 100%. he's said that last week after in his post game interview. He said he's getting better, but he needs to be out there helping the team. which he's right about. If i knew i was as big of a defensive threat as howard, It would drive me insane sitting on the bench watching my team get demolished in the paint. So if he know's he's not 100% but can still vastly contribute to our defense while healing, then why not? Like i said in the other thread, people here complained when we didnt have him in telling him to man up and play, and then he plays and we're like he needs to sit until he's 100%. Never satisfied.
He has to play 80% of last postseason Dwight if we have chance at winning the entire thing. We need a consistent 1+2 punch. When Dwight's post game is going, he is one of the most dominant players in the league.
I really think he's just saving himself for the playoffs. Check out his quote after last night's game: “That’s cool,” Howard said. “As long as we win the game, that’s all that matters. We got 82 games and the playoffs. I’ll do my damage when it’s time.” Hopefully that really is the case.
My concern has less to do with Dwight showing up in the playoffs and more with Harden and him building little chemistry together throughout the season. With both players it's easily noticeable when the offense is more focused on one of them the other is less engaged. The last few games have shown very little of their ability to play off of one another. There's no point of him showing up for the playoffs if those two don't click well at at least a high level. It's technically still early I guess.
