Conference Finals: Dwight Howard’s Post Game Adjustments

@ 9: Well, some people have what is generally refered to as "shooting touch" or "soft hands" to a greater degree than others. Sure, you can improve by working hard, but there are some natural boundaries for each player, and I don't think it's very controversial to assume that Dwight Howard could never have as good a jump shot as Robinson or Hakeem. It just doesn't seem to be something that he could ever do at more than a mediocre level.

I agree with the points in the text about Howards anatomy and its impact. I mean, you just have to watch the video. Despite all his great athleticism, Dwight simply can't push Perkins around like he wants to.

Yes, there is a contradiction. Neither David Robinson nor Hakeem Olajuwon rolled out of bed one day able to hit a jump shot or perform the acrobatic move known as a drop step.

I think you have a really good point about Howards physical make up. He doesn't have a big lower body so when matched against defenders like Perkins he's unable to to post and back his way to the basket. Unfortunately he has developed the low post skills of his mentor (Ewing) or a short range jumpshot. What he does bring is atheleticism, upper body strength and quickness. Those are the reasons high pick and roll situations work so well for him. The ability to dive to the low block and make a move before someone like Perkins can man him up is the he should be played this series.

SVG needs to stop driving the offense through dumps to Howard in the low post. Move him out, run the pick and roll, let him crash the lane and the boards getting rebounds and put backs. This will force the Celtics to change their version of Hack-a-Howard.

Kaveh, I didn't contradict anything. There are different types of great post players. He's not a type of guy like Kevin McHale who has a bevvy of post moves at his disposal. He's ALSO not a guy like Shaq or Moses who can bury a big ass into the defender's thigh and move him back.

The low center of gravity IS the problem with Dwight. When he has deep position, he's a very effective post player. It makes up for his lack of touch. The problem is his lower body isn't strong or massive enough to fight for position against the big defenders in the NBA. If he fights for position with his very strong upper body then he's very likely to get called for a foul.

Just because Dwight doesn't have good touch around the basket doesn't mean he doesn't have skill with the ball.

I'm sorry, but there is a contradiction in your post. In your first paragraph you mentioned an absolute great low post player in Kevin Mchale. Then you went on to say that Dwight isn't going to be a great post player because he isn't built like Shaq/Moses/etc. Well, whatever Mchale has in the physical property department, Dwight has about 10 to maybe 20 fold.

The problem with Dwight is not a low center of gravity. In fact, nothing physical is his problem. He is lighting quick, strong as an ox and can jump like Lebron. His problem is that he lacks the SKILL of the guys you mentioned. You mentioned Hakeem? You mentioned Moses? The skill level between Hakeem who could do a fadaway jump shot with Dwight who can barely make an uncontested 10 foot jump shot is out of this world. Even a monster like Shaq --Shaq had incredible touch and skill in and around the basket, to go along with his absolute domination.

Some people are born with this skill, others mature it through hard work. Dwight neither has it, nor has matured what little he has. A comparison cannot be made with him and MVP caliber players until he does improve his post game. His athletic ability will drop sooner rather than later, and then he is stuck.

Very insightful, detailed analysis of Dwight's ass.

Interesting analysis of Dwight Hoard's build Mr. Harper. That actually explains a lot about his struggles with powerful defenders.

In your opinion, do you think that Dwight Howard has the possibility of having any sort of a midrange game like David Robinson, or does his lack of not having a natural "touch" with his shot concern you?

nice video man, cool music too

you make a point but the free throws will be an issue cause they'll hack the shit out of Dwight if he gets going

high pick and roll with nelson might be better but you gotta put boston's D out of position and that's tough, i don't see the magic come back though they wil take one in Boston

they should move gortat alongside howard in the starting lineup like that run in game 2, it might match boston's physicality better

by the way, do you know what happened to Brandon Bass ?

While having a big ass and legs can definitely be an advantage in the post, I think it's ridiculous to say that Dwight is at a disadvantage physically. Look at a guy like Luis Scola... he's not exactly a physical specimen, but he's got moves.

The bottom line is that Dwight's footwork is garbage. He doesn't have a drop step (the most fundamental move for a big man). He doesn't have a turnaround jump shot. He doesn't employ shot fakes.... or fakes of any kind. his offensive game is severely lacking, and there is NO good excuse.