Dwight Howard Unleashes On Teammates
by Jeff Clark on Jan 29, 2012 1:00 AM EST
in Boston Celtics News & Links
Email
PrintLast week the Magic had a 11 - 4 record and were fresh off beating up on the Lakers and they were feeling pretty good about themselves. Then the Celtics happened. Then they lost to the New Orleans Hornets by 26 points and now the wheels are looking kinda wobbly on that bus.
Here's what Dwight Howard had to say to his teammates through the press.
Dwight Howard questions teammates’ desire – Orlando Magic BasketBlog – Orlando Sentinel
Magic star Dwight Howard says if his teammates should stay home or in the lockeroom if they don’t want to play hard. Howard was frustrated and disgusted with his team’s play after a 93-67 loss to the hapless New Orleans Hornets on Friday night, the Magic’s third loss in four games. "Looked like guys didn’t want to play," he said. "I told them at halftime, if you don’t want to play, just stay in the lockerroom. It doesn’t make sense for a teams we should beat to just demolish us. "You bring everything down," Howard said, referring to a player who isn’t playing with heart and soul.
That's just the beginning of it too. He goes on to rant about how the trade stuff shouldn't be a distraction and all that. Sounds like he's upset about the threadcount of the sheets in the bed that he made himself. Oh well.
79 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Dwight also had 6 TOs vs 1 Asst
Stones and glass houses….
"Celtics bring order and structure to a chaotic world"
this isnt good. this might result in dwight getting traded which gives us almost no chance at signing dwight during FA
by rondeezy on Jan 29, 2012 1:23 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Agreed
My gut continues to tell me he’s going to be wearing purple and gold.
by jv_squad on Jan 29, 2012 7:41 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I dont think he will
Just because I dont think he wants to be shaq part 2
by Kgwillkillyou on Jan 29, 2012 11:42 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
+1
I think c’s have a shot. He always hates playing c’s probably out of jealousy
Depends on how his teammates took it
After the Celtics was blown out by the Lakers by 33 pts in the Finals, Birds also lashed out on his teammates. They responded in a positive way and won the champ in the end.
But when DH did the same, how his teammates take it will tell something not only about the team but also the status of DH in the eyes of his teammates. Frankly I don’t expect the Magic to take it nicely.
DH vs Bird
Bird was a respected leader of the team. I don’t think Howard is. Bird also knew when to call his teammates out and when a practical joke was needed to loosen them up. I don’t think Howard has that in him. Also Bird would never single out a player. So I don’t think his teammates will react one way or another. Howard’s made it known that he doesn’t want to be on this team so I don’t see anything positive coming from this.
"I don't come to play, I come to WIN"--Larry Bird
"Criminally Negligent Officiating"--Tommy Heinsohn
Bird was also playing with Hall of Fame talent
Dwight isn’t even playing with all stars.
Absolutely true.
We’re talking about a team and Howard does all he can on the court. Great player.
His team is absolutely terrible. If you put any of Ray, Pierce or KG on the Magic they’d be the best teammate Dwight has ever had. The thing about basketball is how many legit stars do you have? The Celtics have 4 legit stars, even if they’re “fading”.
Stars exude that ultimate confidence, mental toughness and professionalism, who find ways to consistently impact games. Dwight has never played with a guy like that so he’s always trying to pull a bunch of scrubs along with him. And Stan isn’t the right coach for Dwight either.
Not saying that Dwight is a natural leader. I don’t believe he is at all. But frankly playing for an organization like the Magic with Otis at the helm…. That must be downright atrocious… complete mess of a roster and Stan’s bugging about something every other week. They’re almost as bad as the Jets and Rex Ryan… LOL…
If Dwight wants to learn how to really play championship ball he needs to come here and learn it for himself. Big Baby isn’t a qualified Teacher in the Way of the Celtics.
Basketball is like war in that offensive weapons are developed first, and it always takes a while for the defense to catch up. - Red Auerbach
oops, Rajon, JO, and stuff will make the contracts work plus we'd have top throw in at least 2 first rounders
would anyone beat that is the question
why trade for him
If he is traded to anybody why would he sign now and not test the market to chose where he wants the lakers still need a point. Guard to go with DH …The Celtics can offer more money and already have a PG and a bench in place his best chance at a ring is wearing Green and after those two wins he see his value to Celtics Doc locked that up before he resigned . Watch how we use our draft picks . What out NBA world the green machine will win two rings before Paul retires
Agree, No Reason To Trade For Howard
I’m not a Howard fan, but I think he could thrive on a team like the Celtics. Before Shaq came here he was complaining about not getting the ball. It wasn’t about him, it was about playing the game right. When he came to Boston the vets on the team realized Shaq’s value and when he started he played great with the other starters (until he got hurt). He didn’t do too well with the reserves who weren’t able to or didn’t want to get him the ball when he had position down low.
I don’t see Howard as a player or personality who could be an impact player by himself as Bill Russell was, but he could probably thrive with a good coach and good players around him.
"I don't come to play, I come to WIN"--Larry Bird
"Criminally Negligent Officiating"--Tommy Heinsohn
Howard is in a bad environment and he's immature.
What he needs is a more stable environment with a coach who’s able to clearly articulate what his role needs to be and teammates who not only know how to play off of his skills but who can open up opportunities for him to minimize his weaknesses and maximize his strengths situationally.
Basketball is like war in that offensive weapons are developed first, and it always takes a while for the defense to catch up. - Red Auerbach
Basically what I'm getting at is...
That Howard would be a perfect for this team and that this team would be the perfect fit for Howard. He could really learn a lot from playing with this group of guys and being a part of this tradition. He could rival in a very symbolic fashion the path that Shaq took from similar beginnings. And biggest of all Howard could win for years and years here in Boston.
The best case is that the Celtics get Howard in the offseason (after winning a championship ;) and we draft two good players in the first and we become a dynasty!
But if you have to trade Rondo and pieces to get him you just have to get that deal done. No excuses.
Basketball is like war in that offensive weapons are developed first, and it always takes a while for the defense to catch up. - Red Auerbach
Off subject
Whos the knicks new coach gonna be?
by Kgwillkillyou on Jan 29, 2012 1:59 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Threadcount in the bed that he made himself?
Great line. Seriously. Stole it? Came up with it? Or top secret?
- Just call me Dirk!
Twitter: @4Hoopz
+1
Very nice turn of phrase, there.
by MiracleMilt on Jan 29, 2012 2:17 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I am stealing it...
Love it. Just have to remember not to try to recycle it here on the Blog.
by thirstyboots18 on Jan 29, 2012 7:38 AM EST up reply actions
lol steal away
Faith and Sports - an essay by Jeff Clark
by Jeff Clark on Jan 29, 2012 7:52 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Raise your hands
Who admits they wondered whether or not he made Big Baby cry?
Better just wait for the off season
Its not like it would not cost too much to trade for Howard at this point
Why do I have the feeling that the unnamed player is BBD?
"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot."
- Bill Russell
I think you are wrong
BBD might lose his head some times, but he always plays with heart. Turk and J-Rich are the obvious culprits, since they are in the starting lineup and don’t deliver. And while Turk is inconsistent, I do believe that he tries. So I would go with Jason Richardson.
by European NBA fan on Jan 29, 2012 6:27 AM EST up reply actions
Oh you're right, I forgot about the pizza man.
And yeah J-rich, it’s like he doesn’t even exist.
"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot."
- Bill Russell
by Marjun Raposon on Jan 29, 2012 8:30 AM EST up reply actions
Be careful what you wish for
All you bloggers who want Howard. I remain skeptical that Howard is the max contract guy the Celtics should build around.
Having said that the leader of the team is supposed to lead and saying nothing after three performances like that would have been poor leadership. I don’t fault him there but I don’t really want him for the Cs
or lead by example
Not turn in a 20/10 and rant.
"Celtics bring order and structure to a chaotic world"
Howard Overrated
His footwork/post moves is non existant just brute force wont win u titles,In the latter stages of playoffs good teams can easily implement a plan to stop him easily
A Speciman to be Sure
But like other players named Lebron has coasted on his physical gifts rather than developing his game. Also dislike the wa he starts throwing elbows when challenged. Acts entitled.
"Celtics bring order and structure to a chaotic world"
Howard
I think he has improved his game and can probably improve some more. As to footwork, Al Jefferson beats him by a mile and more. And Howard definitely can be stopped. Perk was great at that by just moving him further away from the basket. Even Baby was able to do that.
If we’re talking about getting a Center, the guy I really like is Javale McGee of the Wizards. I think he’s a free agent next year. With his native athletic ability and a good big man coach I think he would be a great fit on the C’s.
"I don't come to play, I come to WIN"--Larry Bird
"Criminally Negligent Officiating"--Tommy Heinsohn
Howard IS overrated
Bravo!!!!!! One of the main reason the C’s were able to crush the Magic by 30 and then come back from 27 down was largely attributed to Orlando’s refusal to stop force feeding Dwight in the post. He has no go to game in the post and handicaps the entire offense by forcing up bad shots. Let’s not even discuss the free throw shooting smh.
'Everybody Hates a Champ'
by Larrybird17 on Jan 29, 2012 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
The hope is.....
that being part of the Celtics team would change Howard’s mindset. That in Boston, he would become the fierce never-give-up competitor this team demands.
But I think that hope is faint. It’s been my lifelong experience that people’s basic personalities rarely, if ever, change. Howard is what he is — supremely gifted and a magnificent physical specimen — except, unfortunately, for his heart. If he doesn’t have it by now — and he does not — then it’s very, very unlikely that he will ever grow one.
His clown-around personality and constant whining drive me nuts, but a guy who gets 20 and 20 on a fairly regular basis has heart. You can’t do that on athleticism alone.
I think he could be the centerpiece of a defensive-oriented team with a tough 4 (like a resurrected Charles Oakley) and a true point guard (rondo).
by jv_squad on Jan 29, 2012 8:34 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
That's been my Thought
Not saying he can’t grow, but so far…havent seen it. And the current business of throwing his mates under the bus and wanting to go where he can get a Title (can’t get on at Harrod’s, D) shows he has a few miles to go, yet.
"Celtics bring order and structure to a chaotic world"
We don't need his personality to change, although him becoming fierce would make him even better
Now that KG is older, D12 is the best defensive big man by far. Last year looking at points the opposing team scored, opposing team fg%, opposing players being guarded, etc. KG and Dwight were really close in all the important categories, way ahead of all other big men. And Dwight has to be paired with an elite perimeter anyway, we’ll let the perimeter player Rondo or whoever it is be the leader and the one that is serious while dwight smiles.
Disagree
Howard is a shot blocker near the basket and does a good job of leaving his man to do this. This is something that can really be used against him. I think KG is a much better defender, including now. KG is much smarter and covers the whole half court with his defense while Howard is stuck under the basket. Also, when Bass or Wilcox defended Howard they didn’t allow him to bully himself to the basket and KG often came from behind to block his shot. I don’t see Howard complementing other players as a defender the way KG does.
"I don't come to play, I come to WIN"--Larry Bird
"Criminally Negligent Officiating"--Tommy Heinsohn
KG is a great defensive mind, great length and a very agile, horizontal-vertical athlete.
Howard on the other hand is a great physical presence and vertical defender/rebounder. He’s not that great defensive mind like a KG-Russell but he’s excellent at cleaning the board and intimidating people with his shot blocking.
Putting him next to KG would be perfect as these guys complement each other very well as KG’s clearly had trouble mixing it up inside for rebounds on both ends.
Another bonus to Dwight is his ability to run the floor.
Basketball is like war in that offensive weapons are developed first, and it always takes a while for the defense to catch up. - Red Auerbach
Personalities rarely change, but
Knowing the specifics of his personality is the key to understanding his motivations and how environmental change could impact his displayed behavior.
Boston’s roster has a very different environmental makeup than Orlando does. It is quite possible that a shift in emphasis on his role and change in those influencing decision making around him could significantly alter the facets of his personality he displays
by BillfromBoston on Jan 29, 2012 1:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
have to wonder
How much two devastating and embarrassing losses to an undermanned Celtics squad contributed to this outburst,
On other news, I have always been on the fence about Howard. Offensively he just isn’t very good. He has no touch on his shot at all which is why it rarely goes in if he is more then three feet from the hoop and his foot work is just atrocious. He has no go to move which is something you’d think he’d have developed at this point. Orlando having Patrick Ewing as his tutor probably set him back because Ewing was a jump shooter and that is something Howard will never be. They should have brought in someone like Hakeem who knew the ins and outs of playing in the low post on offense.
Defensively he is a game changer. He’s a great rebounder.
I hate his smiling into the camera crap too.
I just don’t know if he is Celtics material.
recently
recently yes but he spent most of his career working with Ewing who didn’t have much of a low post game. Ewing was a jump shooter and should have been the last person working with Howard who will never, ever be a good jump shooter because he has no touch.
He also worked with Clifford Ray early on before he came to the Celtic’s.
by CelticsFanNC on Jan 29, 2012 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
It Don't Come Easy
This is speculative but it would seem that Mr. H has not had to work hard hard hard to make it to where he has. He pushed around kids in HS, skipped college, stepped into the League with an NBA body, made his team instantly competitive. So having had everything else, he thinks he should have a title.
The problem with his title hopes is that its not tied to his own efforts. Put me somewhere I can Win. Team-mates, work hard so I can Win. Meanwhile, Dwight breezes on, getting his basic stats. What is he doing to makes his mates better (6 TOs vs NO)? When does he say, “give me the ball, Ive got it?” Is he working to develop his game? It all smacks of a sense of entitlement. As do the elbows he throws when he gets challenged on court.
All of which is to say I’m not sure he’s Ubuntu-ready. It might make more sense to pay less for a hard-working blue collar player who goes hard than for a max-money guy who expects his mates to carry him.
"Celtics bring order and structure to a chaotic world"
Actually he was really skinny growing up and was not insanely buff when he was first drafted
They drafted him based on potential and he put on a ton of muscle, so stepped into the league with an NBA body is a stretch. I do agree with you about the turnovers and the elbows. Anyway Dwight can average 20 and 15 in his sleep while playing amazing d. No other big man can do that. Love and Griffin look like a joke on d compared to Howard and those guys are the next best big men right now. Also Howard is doing that with crap teammates, Otis Smith has always surrounded him with soft overpaid guys. The Celtics know, they have feasted on them so many times.
This is awesome.
We didn’t just beat the magic twice. We may have literally destroyed their team.
We ripped out their hearts, and now they can’t play basketball anymore. They are a sad quivering shell of their former selves, and they have Celtic night terrors that keep them up at night.
"Chemistry is something that you don't just throw in a frying pan and mix it up with another something and throw something on top of that and then fry it up and put in a tortilla and put it in microwave, heat it up, give it to you and expect it to taste good. You know? If y'all don't know what I'm talking about then you can't cook and this doesn't concern you."
by KGHurtYourFeelings on Jan 29, 2012 9:48 AM EST reply actions
They had no heart when we played them
That’s why we won
howard calling out his mates is leadership. he is not the oncourt problem on that team. his contract situation must be very distracting to all and most to van gundy.
To Call out..
..you have to answer the call. A bird or an MJ could do so because they went all out and had that “give it to me-Ive got it mentality”. So does PP for that matter. It would be fair to say that quality has been lacking in Mr Howard, as it has been (up til this season) in his fellow Floridian Mr. James.
ps stand corrected on the ‘nba-ready’ point but reckon he was able to dominate in HS all the same. If he worked on a drop step as much as his pecs…
"Celtics bring order and structure to a chaotic world"
by Tenacious D on Jan 29, 2012 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
Howard + Coaching
How good did Brandon Bass look on the Magic? Stan has had the horses now for 5 years or so…with 1 finals appearance… all his teams are underachievers. That’s the problem in Orlando.
Hell, Doc had us, briefly mind you, thinking Big Baby could play… LOL
My point being… Howard with a real coach we could be talking not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, not 5, not 6, not 7, not 8 championships….
Sorry I couldn’t resist using LameBron’s classic octa-negative. He’s not as dumb as pretends not to be….
Celtic Chat Handle: Bird
by David Henderson on Jan 29, 2012 10:46 AM EST reply actions
Great post.
Doc >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Stan Van Jeremy
Basketball is like war in that offensive weapons are developed first, and it always takes a while for the defense to catch up. - Red Auerbach
Granted
Orlos organization is not first rate. They have gone for the quick fix, rather than building a good team around DH. Same mistake Cleveland made with Libby. Makes me appreciate Mr Danny all over again.
"Celtics bring order and structure to a chaotic world"
by Tenacious D on Jan 29, 2012 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
Flaws aside...
If you have a chance at a Dwight Howard, you do whatever you can to get him — both to advance our own chances, and certainly to blunt the Lakers’ chances. (Or any other top contender.)
Just A Nitpick
The C’s attitude is that they don’t care about the other team. They respect them, but their attitude is that we care about us and if we execute properly, move the ball, etc we can win any game. I don’t think Danny would get a player just to keep him away from another team. Also, the Lakers are pretty much in the same situation as us. Their window is closing and they will be in rebuild mode soon, maybe sooner than us. I don’t think they have the “character” players that we do, players who help incoming players succeed. That will make it harder for them to rebuild.
"I don't come to play, I come to WIN"--Larry Bird
"Criminally Negligent Officiating"--Tommy Heinsohn
Beta Male
He has absolutely no killer instinct. He is a beta male pure and simple. A beta male with unbelievable athleticism and strength, but a beta male nonetheless. Which would explain the constant smiling, even when he’s losing in the playoffs or his team is being blown out. NCM. Not Celtics Material.
I didn't think Pierce was a winner or leader...
… until he met Ray and KG.
by Big_Easy on Jan 29, 2012 1:04 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I didn't think Parish was Celtics material...
… until he became one.
by Big_Easy on Jan 29, 2012 1:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Concur Powe
If I’m Orlando, I do that deal if it were offered. Bynum is signed, Howard isn’t. Closest they will get to true value.
Bynum is signed for one more year and then he's eligible for free agency
He get’s paid $16.4 million next season and then he’s an unrestricted free agent. That’s why Bynum alone doesn’t represent enough value. You not only lose another franchise center to LA (making your organization an even bigger disgrace) but then you face the risk of Bynum bolting town the next season. Fool me three times?
Gasol will have to be included because of Bynum’s contract situation and because Otis will at least be smart enough to “scam” the Lakers if they’re going to deal with them at all.
Basketball is like war in that offensive weapons are developed first, and it always takes a while for the defense to catch up. - Red Auerbach
Becoming a Celtic
I hear all the flaws and concerns stated but I still think I would be willing to see him in green and have him play next to KG (brought back of course) with Rondo at the point. Mix in Avery at times and wouldn’t that be a tremendous defensive team? Just saying….
It's too bad there's not a team in the NBA
whose players are almost maniacally-full of heart, drive, and championship experience, and who desperately need a center to make a push for a championship…
quote from dwight howard
“It doesn’t make sense for a teams we should beat to just demolish us”. DH
shouldnt we be the team that beats them?!
PALESTINE FOREVER
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on CelticsBlog
Related FanShots on CelticsBlog
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Behind the Box Score, where the Heat grabbed control behind LeBron James’ amazing afternoon
- Behind the Box Score, where the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the fourth quarter. Again
- Kevin Durant’s game-winner beats the Lakers in Game 4 (VIDEO)
- Behind the Box Score, where the Los Angeles Lakers answered at home
- Pau Gasol wins the 2011-2012 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award
