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NBA -- The promise that is Dwight Howard
By Ryan Medida
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 23 Oct 2012
SAN FRANCISCO -- Although Dwight Howard's maiden appearance in a Lakers uniform did not provide a much-needed win in their preseason schedule, the 6-foot-11, 265-pound behemoth provided a delightful glimpse of the promise and possibilites that his hulking all-around presence can bring to one of the league's most prestigious franchises.
In a 99-92 loss at the hands of the Sacramento Kings, Howard feasted with 19 points, slam dunking and laying in bakets by exclusively loitering the paint. He also grabbed 12 rebounds, evoking strong memories of his six-time All-Star credentials while playing for the Orlando Magic, whom he departed from amid extremely contentious circumstances this past summer. The 26-year old pivot also swatted four enemy shots, reminding all and sundry that he still is a beast on the defensive end.
But beneath the athleticism and obvious brute strength, the rust also showed. Howard, after all, hasn't played competitive basketball in about six months after he was shut down by the Magic prior to the playoffs to have his back surgically repaired.
In 32 minutes and 57 seconds of play, Howard commited five turnovers. And he dished just two assists, a reflection of his unfamiliarity with his teammates, a storng cast tthat includes megastar Kobe Bryant, newly-acquired two-time MVP point guard Steve Nash, Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace, formerly Ron Artest. In an extremely hectic offseason, the Lakers also acquired the well-credentialed Antawn Jamison, a gunslinger with above average range who can score in bunches.
The Lakers are winless in the preseason after six starts. But this is the preseason, when the defeats don't count in the official standings.
The Lakers are using this series of exhibition games to meld their new parts with Kobe and the rest of the hold-overs. The key here is that Howard appears healthy and once the regular season starts, it's safe to assume that the Lakers won't have so many of those marks in the loss column. (Ryan Medida)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ryan Medida.
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