Dwight Howard is the biggest waste of talent of this era

[clutchinho]

Look at this scouting report in 2008 of a 23 year old Dwight. He was on the path to a first ballot hall of fame career, and being the dominant inside force in the NBA for the next 10-15 years.

Overview: An emerging superstar who is starting to do the things it takes to maximize his physical gifts. Great size, length, and physical strength for the post. Has packed on a ton of muscle. Can push around just about anyone on the block. Incredibly quick and mobile for his size. Probably the most explosive leaper for his build in the world. Marvelous physical specimen. Starting to dominate the post like he was meant to offensively. Rebounds at an otherworldly pace. Only scratching the surface of the player he will be in a few years. Was highly decorated as a prep player at South West Christian HS. Won the Naismith player of the year award in 2004. Will only get better with time. Has one All-Star appearance under his belt with many more to come. Clearly possesses Hall of Fame potential. Backs up his game with very strong character. An asset to the league.

Offense: An emerging offensive force that still has room to grow as a scorer. Gets over half of his touches in the post, but creates his own chances by dominating the offensive glass and working without the ball. Gets position with ease. Simply too strong to keep off the block. Doesn't show much of a jumper, but has the raw form to add that to his game should he have to down the line. Takes what the defense gives him in the post and then some. Can score effectively over both shoulders. Still working on his left hand, but it is coming around. Doesn't fade away from the rim on his moves anymore. Simply spins, faces, and finishes. Has the quickness and footwork to leave defenders behind him and finish easy baskets in the paint. Dunks absolutely everything around the rim. Too explosive and strong to keep away from the basket. Can simply push his way to the rim at times. Very susceptible to fouling. Needs to improve his free throw shooting. Goes to the line at an incredible pace, but doesn't hurt opponents for it enough. Still developing in some ways. Has grown an incredible amount and will still get better. Eats space inside. Grabs offensive rebounds at an elite rate. Needs to learn how to pass out of double teams and not turn the ball over as often as he does currently. Simply fantastic for his position and unreal for his age.

Defense: A very good young defender who is a game changer due to his athleticism and strength. Can keep players off the block much better than he could a few years ago. Has the quickness to step out and defend the high post without a lot of trouble. Has improved his one-on-one defense, and will continue to get better as he gains experience. Is already a threat to rotate over to the weak side and send shots from unsuspecting offensive players in the stands. Blocks shots with authority, and can really protect the rim with his length and incredible athleticism. Becoming one of the best defenders at his position in the League. Still commits a few too many fouls, but that comes with his role as a game changer. Dominates the glass with his ability to rebound outside of his area. Very sure handed. Will come up with steals by virtue of his strong hands and reaction time.

This guy is now an afterthought at age 30, and might not get a max contract in a league where role players are getting 20m+ thrown at them. I blame it on two things

1. 20% - the bad back - didn't seem to ever be the same athletically after that but even then, still superior physically to 95% of NBA guys playing his position

2. 80% - mental retardation - making bad decision after bad decision has destroyed any goodwill he has with any fanbase and his standing in the league.

I hate Dwight like everybody else does, but its sobering to look back and think just if he had some better advisors around him things would be different.

[Smoke117]

Look at this scouting report in 2008 of a 23 year old Dwight. He was on the path to a first ballot hall of fame career, and being the dominant inside force in the NBA for the next 10-15 years.




This guy is now an afterthought at age 30, and might not get a max contract in a league where role players are getting 20m+ thrown at them. I blame it on two things

1. 20% - the bad back - didn't seem to ever be the same athletically after that but even then, still superior physically to 95% of NBA guys playing his position

2. 80% - mental retardation - making bad decision after bad decision has destroyed any goodwill he has with any fanbase and his standing in the league.

I hate Dwight like everybody else does, but its sobering to look back and think just if he had some better advisors around him things would be different.

No...it's mostly the bad back. What you said as your number 2 has nothing to do with his actual basketball play...who the **** cares about "goodwill" with any fanbase.

[Gileraracer]

He is a mental retard, not much more to say.

[stalkerforlife]

It's Kobe's fault.