Dwight Howard since the All-Star Break

[fpliii]

During that span:

16.9ppg
14.9rpg
1.1apg
1.2spg
2.8bpg
2.4topg
4.1pfpg
54.1% FG (85-157)
46.2% FT (66-143)
103.4 DRtg (9th in the league)
11-3 record

He's still not 100% of what he was, but it's solid compared to his start to the season. I still want to see his fouls and turnovers go down and his FT% rise but as long as his rebounding/defense continue to improve, I'm not complaining.

[longtime lurker]

Finally settling into that defensive presence/2nd option role. His numbers aren't eye popping but his effectiveness especially on the defensive end is coming through.

[fpliii]

Originally Posted by longtime lurker

Finally settling into that defensive presence/2nd option role. His numbers aren't eye popping but his effectiveness especially on the defensive end is coming through.

I think they need to play the matchup game in the playoffs when deciding how to use him offensively. Kobe's going to be the first option, but if he's going to get fouled excessively or doubled (meaning he'll almost inevitably turn the ball over), then Dwight shouldn't get any touches unless:

1) he's completely open (like, alley-oop open)
2) he's putting back an offensive board
3) he's in a PnR set with Nash (maybe the Kobe/Dwight PnR as well, again depending on matchups)

I think the defense will be playing at a top 5 level in the league by season's end, but in the transition Dwight needs to get back quicker. Rebounding is tough...you want him to be approaching a 20-20 night in the playoffs each game, but depending on what happens with Gasol not as many boards will be available. Regardless, he needs to grab more (especially on the offensive end) to push that advantage.

[no pun intended]

http://twitter.yfrog.com/72bbovrddogneglcksmvmgdwz

lol.

[longtime lurker]

Originally Posted by fpliii

I think they need to play the matchup game in the playoffs when deciding how to use him offensively. Kobe's going to be the first option, but if he's going to get fouled excessively or doubled (meaning he'll almost inevitably turn the ball over), then Dwight shouldn't get any touches unless:

1) he's completely open (like, alley-oop open)
2) he's putting back an offensive board
3) he's in a PnR set with Nash (maybe the Kobe/Dwight PnR as well, again depending on matchups)

I think the defense will be playing at a top 5 level in the league by season's end, but in the transition Dwight needs to get back quicker. Rebounding is tough...you want him to be approaching a 20-20 night in the playoffs each game, but depending on what happens with Gasol not as many boards will be available. Regardless, he needs to grab more (especially on the offensive end) to push that advantage.

I've noticed Dwight is usually good offensively against slower opponents that don't have a lot of length. When he's able to make a quick move he's successful. It will be interesting to see the dynamics when Gasol gets back, during the playoffs the team could exploit Dwight against the 2nd unit players allowing Gasol, Kobe and Nash to rest.

[Noof]

Originally Posted by no pun intended

http://twitter.yfrog.com/72bbovrddogneglcksmvmgdwz

lol.

Saw this on TV, that was pretty funny.

[Mr. Jabbar]

dat ft%