Savage: Enough Talk About the Jumper
Related Images
By Dan Savage
November 3, 2010
ORLANDO -- There are few superstars in any sport that are as media friendly as Dwight Howard.
He’s engaging, humorous and will answer just about any question thrown at him.
But there’s one question that’s becoming a little redundant for the All-NBA center this season: “How’s your jumper coming along?”
As someone who covers Orlando’s Superman day-in and day-out, I must admit, even I’m sick of hearing the question.
At nearly every media session it comes up, usually with someone completely shocked that he now has this weapon in his arsenal.
Howard is a talented basketball player, who has been able to accomplish nearly anything he’s set his mind to during his NBA career. So why is it a surprise to everyone that he’s starting to develop a mid-range game?
Furthermore, is there really a difference whether or not Howard makes a shot from the outside or drills one of his patent hook shots in the paint?
“It’s a regular shot,” Howard explained. “It doesn’t say whether you shot a jump shot or a hook shot on the stat sheet.”
Adding to Howard’s frustration is the misconception that he’s taking jumpers as a result of his time spent with Hakeem Olajuwon this summer.
The Magic’s center worked on multiple aspects of his game with the Hall-of-Fame big man and was able to gain a lot of valuable information from their sessions.
However, the jump shot he’s currently displaying in games is a result of the countless hours he’s spent in the gym, working on perfecting a face-up bank shot.
There’s no question that adding this shot to his repertoire will make him a more dangerous player. If he can consistently sink them in games, opposing defenders will have to play up on him, allowing him an easier path to the basket.
But it’s not like Howard is ever going to transform into Olajuwon or any other player simply by working with them.
“If I work with (Michael) Jordan, I’m not going to be Jordan,” Howard said with a smile. “If I work with Stan (Van Gundy), am I going to be Stan?”
No, instead he’ll always be Dwight Howard, currently a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, four-time All-Star and three-time member of the All-NBA First team.
And that’s exactly who we should want him to be.
November 3, 2010
ORLANDO -- There are few superstars in any sport that are as media friendly as Dwight Howard.
He’s engaging, humorous and will answer just about any question thrown at him.
But there’s one question that’s becoming a little redundant for the All-NBA center this season: “How’s your jumper coming along?”
As someone who covers Orlando’s Superman day-in and day-out, I must admit, even I’m sick of hearing the question.
At nearly every media session it comes up, usually with someone completely shocked that he now has this weapon in his arsenal.
Howard is a talented basketball player, who has been able to accomplish nearly anything he’s set his mind to during his NBA career. So why is it a surprise to everyone that he’s starting to develop a mid-range game?
Furthermore, is there really a difference whether or not Howard makes a shot from the outside or drills one of his patent hook shots in the paint?
“It’s a regular shot,” Howard explained. “It doesn’t say whether you shot a jump shot or a hook shot on the stat sheet.”
Adding to Howard’s frustration is the misconception that he’s taking jumpers as a result of his time spent with Hakeem Olajuwon this summer.
The Magic’s center worked on multiple aspects of his game with the Hall-of-Fame big man and was able to gain a lot of valuable information from their sessions.
However, the jump shot he’s currently displaying in games is a result of the countless hours he’s spent in the gym, working on perfecting a face-up bank shot.
There’s no question that adding this shot to his repertoire will make him a more dangerous player. If he can consistently sink them in games, opposing defenders will have to play up on him, allowing him an easier path to the basket.
But it’s not like Howard is ever going to transform into Olajuwon or any other player simply by working with them.
“If I work with (Michael) Jordan, I’m not going to be Jordan,” Howard said with a smile. “If I work with Stan (Van Gundy), am I going to be Stan?”
No, instead he’ll always be Dwight Howard, currently a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, four-time All-Star and three-time member of the All-NBA First team.
And that’s exactly who we should want him to be.
