He also has to show he is a true superstar. I think he is, but there are legitimate questions. Howard’s ability slipped last season. He used to be the most dominant defensive force in the league, and a man you could build an offense around — even though his offensive game is unpolished, he was so strong and athletic he forced defenses to adjust to him, creating space for shooters.
Last year, he was not the same force. He was 36th in the league in player efficiency rating — just behind J.J. Hickson, Marc Gasol and Greg Monroe, and barely ahead of Serge Ibaka, Kevin Garnett and David Lee. Those are not max-contract players. (Garnett was, of course, but no longer is.)
There were two good reason for the decline: Howard was recovering from a back injury and playing for a new team, with an offense and teammates that did not seem to suit him.
He is only 27, and can be a dominant player for several more years. But he has to want to dominate. That means changing his diet so he can stay healthy. It means acting like a champion instead of a clown. And it means refining his offensive game, so he doesn’t rely so much on athleticism, which will inevitably fade as he ages. It also means finally growing up.
Some players want to carry a team to a championship. Kobe Bryant is like that. Kevin Durant, too. LeBron James took a while to get there, but he got there.
Other players want to be carried to a championship. They have the mental makeup and personality to help others. They believe in the mission, but they don’t want to lead it.
Howard thinks he is the kind who wants to carry a team, but he really wants to be carried. This has been problematic for the two teams that have employed him. The Magic treated him like a cornerstone, but Howard didn’t act like one. The Lakers thought they landed a superstar to go with Kobe Bryant, but this particular superstar didn’t seem to want to go with Kobe Bryant.
The second half of Dwight Howard’s career starts now. The comedy should be over. It’s time for a thriller.