I thought Howard did what he was supposed to do tonight. He got 9 and 9 and split time with McGee essentially coming off the bench. That's about right. As much as I hoped for basically. Keep this up all year and we're going somewhere.
I was hoping that he would move better physically. Looked a bit stiff and lost for a couple plays. I think that teams stayed away from Dwight because they knew of his current athletic ability, which is limited honestly. Did not look good initially. He got involved in the game late in the 3rd, which looked encouraging. If this is a starting point, I can see him staying on the team. Mostly because bar is set low.
The stats and contribution that he gave is all I want out of him. Rebounds, screens, some D, hustle and easy buckets. I don't think we have to worry about him trying to get "cute" on offense, because it doesn't look like he can anymore. That was the most surprising aspect for me in the game, he's Floor Howard. I haven't watched much of him in recent years and intentionally forgot whatever I saw. But I didn't realize this is where he's at physically. He can still get some lobs. But he went from an aerial attack artist to having 20 pound ankle weights on. Definitely no contest of who's our starting C. Media made it out like there was a contest between he and McGee, there's not. As long as Dwight can do what he did and keep quiet, he can stay.
...or maybe Howard didn't really go full bore given it is just preseason as such? He was jogging back on transition D. Howard was the one I was looking forward to seeing knowing already what Davis brings to the table. If he can get his mind together, he's good insurance policy because I don't think McGee can play the whole season.
Howard definitely seemed like age and I juries have taken a good bit of his athleticism. But if he can put those numbers up consistently he’ll be fine. Another big body on a team filled with them. Gonna be tough for teams to match up.
I was also quite pleased with his effort and attitude. He’s clearly not what he used to be and he can’t start over MCG. But the minutes are there for him if he can do this consistently. He’s a double double threat every night and you have to respect his defensive presence in the paint. Honestly, he does not need to do more than this. The only thing we need from him and JaVale is good health. No heavy minutes for either of them... nice and easy.
He looked good last night. He still shoves people around like rag dolls. I like it when used judiciously.
so this is what it looks like when low skill players lose their athleticism.... But at least he's over the delusion that he can be a 30 point scorer every night.
I was only in Game Time for the 1st half and then had to come back later on time shift. But with everyone commenting in GT on how he wasn't moving well or looked to still be hampered by his back, I took my time seeing how the Bald Eagle was looking (not disappointed and very happy) and watching Dwight a lot more carefully. Aside from seemingly and shockingly the appearance of not having above the rim game any more ..... I thought he was getting around OK and didn't look all that slow. And seemed a little better in the 2nd half with his "getting around the floor". Kind of shocked to see how lean he has gotten, relatively, to the monster upper body and those insane shoulders he used to have. But lean and all muscle can't be a bad thing and he IS still a big strong dude that can, as said above, push people around, bang on them and bring 6 fouls and some pain down low. He still has the (in his own mind) alpha personality to not shy from physicality down low. I think some of that could also just be RUST. Not the lack of Boing Vert capability though. Oh yeah and still "hands of stone".
Not sure Dwight can jump over a piece of paper now. I did see him make one dunk but I get the feeling they will be few and far between.
..... LOL and be out there practicing step back 3s? Reminds me of @abeer3's take on how Bongo looked after one year in the G-league which I can't remember exactly. Is he still on an NBA roster speaking of that?
I thought Dwight looked OK. Not the athletic freak he was before, but still more athletic than most men his size.