Rookie Dwight Howard is amazing many with his rebounding prowess and his NBA potential
Howard: Shooting for Stardom
Dwight Howard emerges from the locker room wearing what has to be the world's largest red velvety-looking warmup suit. A matching cap -- and his megawatt smile -- enhance the outfit's effect.
A TV crew is there after practice asking players to record a brief holiday message to Magic fans that played during December broadcasts. Howard is more than happy to accommodate and pours his heart and soul into his delivery, smiling broadly through each and every word.
Teammate Steve Francis is standing nearby and can't help but catch a good feeling from Howard's radiance and theatrics.
"Nine years ago, I was like that," Francis said. "It rejuvenates me to see how people were when we were that young. He's so innocent."
It's been like Christmas every day since Howard came to town. The Magic are slowly peeling away the wrapping from their 6-foot-11 gift that arrived as a result of the No. 1 pick in June's draft. After each layer is removed, the team grows more giddy over what lies beneath. But unlike an over-exuberant kid under the tree, the Magic will take their time unveiling the rest of the Howard package.
At times, Howard seems ready for more than NBA spoonfuls. There was the 24-point outing against Atlanta; 20 rebounds versus Toronto.
Nonetheless, patience will prevail. There's no need to rush anyway with Francis and the season's feel-good story -- Grant Hill -- leading Orlando to early success. But no doubt, Magic success has come in part because of Howard's presence down low.
Through Orlando's first 33 games, Howard delivered 11 double-doubles and was the team's No. 1 rebounder 20 times. He ranked 15th among NBA players in blocked shots (1.66) and was 10th in rebounding (10.1) thanks to a veteran-like philosophy: "I try to get everything I can and not worry about who's in front of me."
Defense and rebounding are Howard's priorities, something he understands and accepts. It's the first time in his life that he hasn't been the first-through-last offensive option, but most of his points now must come through banging the offensive glass. A game plan revolving around him is for another day.
Until then, Howard is showing he's not afraid to work at every aspect of his game and has what amounts to a personal coach who oversees and shapes his development. Clifford Ray is a noted mentor of big men and also works with Orlando's other post players, but his No. 1 priority is Howard and Ray is well aware of what he has before him.
In the past, he has worked with players who had talent but lacked desire -- "knuckleheads," he calls a few -- but he feels the ultimate pupil finally has come his way.
"I have the most talented player in the NBA," Ray said. "I don't have any frustrations or doubt about where Dwight's going. I think he's going to be as explosive as Kevin Garnett one day."
Garnett is someone Howard mentions with Michael Jordan as basketball role models. It was one thing to be on the same court with Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson, but the Jan. 12 meeting against Garnett and the Wolves made an impression on the Magic rookie.
"It was great. He's a measuring stick for me. I love how he plays the game, with a lot of heart. He plays hard on every play. He has a great outside and inside game. He's very versatile. He's changed how the game is played, as far as big guys handling the ball. I've always admired him."
[And, on March 11, Garnett called Howard, "a freak of nature" referring to his impressive abilities on the court.]
But what he'll also take from his first encounter with KG is the same thing he learned about the others.
"Years ago they [Iverson and Bryant] went against each other in the playoffs and I can remember sitting at a leadership camp and I was like, 'Man, it would be good if I could play with them,' " Howard said. "All the people around me were talking about those players and I'm like, 'One day, I'm going to get to play with these guys.'
"When I stepped out there on the court with them, it was kind of surreal, kind of weird, but then after awhile, I said, 'They're men just like me.'"
Well, not all men are created like Howard, as indicated by his size-20 feet. His body is slowly adding bulk and muscle since he left high school and he's up to a solid 250 pounds. It's a framework that has allowed him to avoid many of the anticipated rookie moments.
"Most of his rookie moments are off the court," General Manager John Weisbrod said. "Things like lifestyle, traveling, dealing with fans and tickets. His adjustments to the lifestyle of being an NBA player away from the court are a bit more significant than anything on the court."
Howard, who turned 19 on Dec. 8, is clearly a kid playing in a man's body at an accelerating pace. His humble approach and loving-life attitude are felt throughout the organization. He humors teammates with impressions of "Finding Nemo" characters and has unquestioned character traits, living up to his high school nickname of "choirboy." He does the little things, such as introducing himself to strangers and making eye contact when speaking.
"The difference is he's a well-grounded young man," Coach Johnny Davis said.
"He's very mature, handles himself very well, unlike most 19-year-olds who are going through the teen phase of life, maybe somewhat rebellious or self-centered the way teens can sometimes be.
"But Dwight is totally different and I think that's what has enabled him to make a transition smoothly from high school to the pros."
After one particular pregame warmup session with Ray had concluded, Howard decided to pal around with a ball boy who couldn't have been more than 9 years old. Howard could have headed to the locker room for some isolation time but instead gave the kid a memory of a lifetime, in a cat-and-mouse, take-the-ball-if-you-can kind of way. It was hard to tell who was having the better time.
"I think the kids get a thrill out of that," Howard said. "I know I would if I was at an NBA game and had a chance to step out on the court and play with one of the players. That would make my day."
Thinking of others is a reflection of the strong Christian upbringing he got at home from parents Dwight Sr. and Sheryl. Their influence reaches from Atlanta where it rests on solid footing in Orlando. They come for games when they can and Dwight Sr., a Georgia state trooper, often makes extended stays. There also is a cousin at Howard's side on a regular basis.
And to fill in any holes along the way, there's Ray who acts as a mentor, friend or -- using's Howard term -- "team dad." Ray's message to Howard is this: We're in this together.
"It's not like a two-hour deal," Ray says. "It's a full-time thing. I go to church with him if he wants to, I went to his house for Thanksgiving in Atlanta. I try to be a part of his circle because I think it's important he knows I'm in the fight with him, along with this whole coaching staff."
Howard is grateful to have someone so close as he learns the way of the NBA.
"We've been together all summer long," Howard said. "We've been teaching each other about each other. Obviously, he's helped me a lot on the court and I hope to continue to stick with him. He got this job for one reason and I'm going to make sure he keeps it. That's how I feel about him."
Howard also has found support at surprising times. Washington's Antawn Jamison told Howard that he would be more effective if he learned to "not let the [opposing] defense take you out of your game."
This advice just happened to come during Orlando's Nov. 10 game against Washington.
"He knows what I'm going through," Howard said. "[The Lakers'] Brian Grant, all those guys told me 'we were all at that stage that you're at now. Just keep fighting.' "
Howard already has been around long enough to know that it's the physical and mental factors that will determine his success and survival. As an NBA rookie, he's already prepared to shoulder his share of responsibility.
"If we lose, I'm the person who will say it's my fault," Howard said. "It may have been something I didn't do and if I had done it, our team would have had a better chance of winning. I really hate losing. That makes me stronger as a player, knowing if I don't do this, we're going to lose. I just have to play even harder."
Teammates love that Howard shares the onus for success and is serious about showing Orlando he truly was the best No. 1 pick. But it doesn't mean they don't have their share of fun with him along the way. Howard and Jameer Nelson take turns bringing doughnuts and juice to the team as part of the rookie ritual. And then there's Francis' special game-day request of Gummi Bears.
"Every home game, red Gummi Bears," Francis confirms.
Howard delivers them with a smile that takes Francis back to another time. A time when innocence prevailed.
This story originally appeared in the February issue of Magic Magazine.
Scott Wallin is an Orlando freelance writer and regular contributor to Magic Magazine.
A TV crew is there after practice asking players to record a brief holiday message to Magic fans that played during December broadcasts. Howard is more than happy to accommodate and pours his heart and soul into his delivery, smiling broadly through each and every word. Teammate Steve Francis is standing nearby and can't help but catch a good feeling from Howard's radiance and theatrics.
"Nine years ago, I was like that," Francis said. "It rejuvenates me to see how people were when we were that young. He's so innocent."
It's been like Christmas every day since Howard came to town. The Magic are slowly peeling away the wrapping from their 6-foot-11 gift that arrived as a result of the No. 1 pick in June's draft. After each layer is removed, the team grows more giddy over what lies beneath. But unlike an over-exuberant kid under the tree, the Magic will take their time unveiling the rest of the Howard package.
At times, Howard seems ready for more than NBA spoonfuls. There was the 24-point outing against Atlanta; 20 rebounds versus Toronto.
Nonetheless, patience will prevail. There's no need to rush anyway with Francis and the season's feel-good story -- Grant Hill -- leading Orlando to early success. But no doubt, Magic success has come in part because of Howard's presence down low.
Through Orlando's first 33 games, Howard delivered 11 double-doubles and was the team's No. 1 rebounder 20 times. He ranked 15th among NBA players in blocked shots (1.66) and was 10th in rebounding (10.1) thanks to a veteran-like philosophy: "I try to get everything I can and not worry about who's in front of me."
Defense and rebounding are Howard's priorities, something he understands and accepts. It's the first time in his life that he hasn't been the first-through-last offensive option, but most of his points now must come through banging the offensive glass. A game plan revolving around him is for another day.
Until then, Howard is showing he's not afraid to work at every aspect of his game and has what amounts to a personal coach who oversees and shapes his development. Clifford Ray is a noted mentor of big men and also works with Orlando's other post players, but his No. 1 priority is Howard and Ray is well aware of what he has before him.
In the past, he has worked with players who had talent but lacked desire -- "knuckleheads," he calls a few -- but he feels the ultimate pupil finally has come his way.
"I have the most talented player in the NBA," Ray said. "I don't have any frustrations or doubt about where Dwight's going. I think he's going to be as explosive as Kevin Garnett one day."
Garnett is someone Howard mentions with Michael Jordan as basketball role models. It was one thing to be on the same court with Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson, but the Jan. 12 meeting against Garnett and the Wolves made an impression on the Magic rookie.
"It was great. He's a measuring stick for me. I love how he plays the game, with a lot of heart. He plays hard on every play. He has a great outside and inside game. He's very versatile. He's changed how the game is played, as far as big guys handling the ball. I've always admired him."
[And, on March 11, Garnett called Howard, "a freak of nature" referring to his impressive abilities on the court.]
But what he'll also take from his first encounter with KG is the same thing he learned about the others.
"Years ago they [Iverson and Bryant] went against each other in the playoffs and I can remember sitting at a leadership camp and I was like, 'Man, it would be good if I could play with them,' " Howard said. "All the people around me were talking about those players and I'm like, 'One day, I'm going to get to play with these guys.'
"When I stepped out there on the court with them, it was kind of surreal, kind of weird, but then after awhile, I said, 'They're men just like me.'"
Well, not all men are created like Howard, as indicated by his size-20 feet. His body is slowly adding bulk and muscle since he left high school and he's up to a solid 250 pounds. It's a framework that has allowed him to avoid many of the anticipated rookie moments.
"Most of his rookie moments are off the court," General Manager John Weisbrod said. "Things like lifestyle, traveling, dealing with fans and tickets. His adjustments to the lifestyle of being an NBA player away from the court are a bit more significant than anything on the court."
Howard, who turned 19 on Dec. 8, is clearly a kid playing in a man's body at an accelerating pace. His humble approach and loving-life attitude are felt throughout the organization. He humors teammates with impressions of "Finding Nemo" characters and has unquestioned character traits, living up to his high school nickname of "choirboy." He does the little things, such as introducing himself to strangers and making eye contact when speaking.
"The difference is he's a well-grounded young man," Coach Johnny Davis said.
"He's very mature, handles himself very well, unlike most 19-year-olds who are going through the teen phase of life, maybe somewhat rebellious or self-centered the way teens can sometimes be.
"But Dwight is totally different and I think that's what has enabled him to make a transition smoothly from high school to the pros."
After one particular pregame warmup session with Ray had concluded, Howard decided to pal around with a ball boy who couldn't have been more than 9 years old. Howard could have headed to the locker room for some isolation time but instead gave the kid a memory of a lifetime, in a cat-and-mouse, take-the-ball-if-you-can kind of way. It was hard to tell who was having the better time.
"I think the kids get a thrill out of that," Howard said. "I know I would if I was at an NBA game and had a chance to step out on the court and play with one of the players. That would make my day."
Thinking of others is a reflection of the strong Christian upbringing he got at home from parents Dwight Sr. and Sheryl. Their influence reaches from Atlanta where it rests on solid footing in Orlando. They come for games when they can and Dwight Sr., a Georgia state trooper, often makes extended stays. There also is a cousin at Howard's side on a regular basis.
And to fill in any holes along the way, there's Ray who acts as a mentor, friend or -- using's Howard term -- "team dad." Ray's message to Howard is this: We're in this together.
"It's not like a two-hour deal," Ray says. "It's a full-time thing. I go to church with him if he wants to, I went to his house for Thanksgiving in Atlanta. I try to be a part of his circle because I think it's important he knows I'm in the fight with him, along with this whole coaching staff."
Howard is grateful to have someone so close as he learns the way of the NBA.
"We've been together all summer long," Howard said. "We've been teaching each other about each other. Obviously, he's helped me a lot on the court and I hope to continue to stick with him. He got this job for one reason and I'm going to make sure he keeps it. That's how I feel about him."
Howard also has found support at surprising times. Washington's Antawn Jamison told Howard that he would be more effective if he learned to "not let the [opposing] defense take you out of your game."
This advice just happened to come during Orlando's Nov. 10 game against Washington.
"He knows what I'm going through," Howard said. "[The Lakers'] Brian Grant, all those guys told me 'we were all at that stage that you're at now. Just keep fighting.' "
Howard already has been around long enough to know that it's the physical and mental factors that will determine his success and survival. As an NBA rookie, he's already prepared to shoulder his share of responsibility.
"If we lose, I'm the person who will say it's my fault," Howard said. "It may have been something I didn't do and if I had done it, our team would have had a better chance of winning. I really hate losing. That makes me stronger as a player, knowing if I don't do this, we're going to lose. I just have to play even harder."
Teammates love that Howard shares the onus for success and is serious about showing Orlando he truly was the best No. 1 pick. But it doesn't mean they don't have their share of fun with him along the way. Howard and Jameer Nelson take turns bringing doughnuts and juice to the team as part of the rookie ritual. And then there's Francis' special game-day request of Gummi Bears.
"Every home game, red Gummi Bears," Francis confirms.
Howard delivers them with a smile that takes Francis back to another time. A time when innocence prevailed.
This story originally appeared in the February issue of Magic Magazine.
Scott Wallin is an Orlando freelance writer and regular contributor to Magic Magazine.
