6 replies to this topic

[majik19]

Mutliple media pundits, including so-called reporter Stephen A Smith and Charles Barkley (I love Chuck) have stated that Howard has been "struggling" this year.

 

I haven't been able to watch many of the games, and clearly the defense has not been good this year. Just having Howard as the anchor seemed to be enough to have an elite defense in previous years.

 

That being said, it's hard for me to agree with the notion that he's been "struggling." Take a look at the stats:

 

GP GS MIN FGM-A FG% 3PM-A 3P% FTM-A FT% OR DR REB AST BLK STL PF TO PTS

8 8 31.5 5.8-9.4 .613 0.0-0.0 .000 2.5-4.5 .556 4.8 8.6 13.4 1.8 2.0 0.6 3.6 3.1 14.0

 

P/40 R/40 A/40 TS% AST TO USG REB PER   

 

17.8 17.0 2.2 61.6 10.8 19.3 18.8 22.6 21.14
 

 

Based on traditional stats, his FG% is his highest of his entire career. His rebounds are his highest since his last season in Orlando. His blocks/game is the highest since he was a Laker. His TO/game is right in line with his career averages.

 

With the advanced stats, his PER is two points higher than last year, his rebounding and assist rates are the highest of his career, and his TS% is his highest since 2009.

 

So is the basis of "struggling" just on the fact that he's scoring fewer points? His USG is his lowest since his rookie season, I think by design. Or is it just perception because he's playing fewer games (to keep him fresh) and fewer MPG? 

 

Personally (again, without watching the games), I think Dwight doesn't seem to be the problem. 

Edited by majik19, 20 November 2015 - 10:52 PM.

[Cooper]

He looks a little creakier just using the eye test, but maybe thats just playing himself into better shape. Our whole defense has been garbage so its hard to fairly judge that part of the game and like you said most of the other numbers are good if not better than usual. Im not too worried yet

[rockets best fan]

during the summer on this very board we discussed D-12 being put on a maintenance plan to ensure him being strong and healthy for the playoffs, yet many now question the strategy. D-12 is doing what he should be doing. he is the least of our problems IMO.

[Sir Thursday]

I mean, if you just watched him trying to post up this season you would definitely get the impression that he's getting old. I don't think I remember him scoring a basket from a back-to-the-basket situation this year. Certainly if you include the number of turnovers from that particular play it would look rather ugly. Might be worth taking a look at the breakdown of his scoring numbers based on play-type. If the increasing ineffectiveness in the post causes him to give that up entirely then it might actually be a good thing for the team. Ever since he got here we've been saying that his post possessions are an inefficient waste, so if the team is finally getting to the point of redistributing them that should in theory help with the team's offensive output. Of course, the results on the court would seem to suggest that's not the case...

 

Anyway, defensively I haven't seen too much drop off from him - it feels more like the rest of the team that's the problem there. There have been several good articles suggesting that the team's defensive issues have been caused more by things like poor floor balance and overuse of switching than anything Howard has done.

 

ST

[Willk]

Mutliple media pundits, including so-called reporter Stephen A Smith and Charles Barkley (I love Chuck) have stated that Howard has been "struggling" this year.

I haven't been able to watch many of the games, and clearly the defense has not been good this year. Just having Howard as the anchor seemed to be enough to have an elite defense in previous years.

That being said, it's hard for me to agree with the notion that he's been "struggling." Take a look at the stats:

GP GS MIN FGM-A FG% 3PM-A 3P% FTM-A FT% OR DR REB AST BLK STL PF TO PTS
8 8 31.5 5.8-9.4 .613 0.0-0.0 .000 2.5-4.5 .556 4.8 8.6 13.4 1.8 2.0 0.6 3.6 3.1 14.0

P/40 R/40 A/40 TS% AST TO USG REB PER

17.8 17.0 2.2 61.6 10.8 19.3 18.8 22.6 21.14


Based on traditional stats, his FG% is his highest of his entire career. His rebounds are his highest since his last season in Orlando. His blocks/game is the highest since he was a Laker. His TO/game is right in line with his career averages.

With the advanced stats, his PER is two points higher than last year, his rebounding and assist rates are the highest of his career, and his TS% is his highest since 2009.

So is the basis of "struggling" just on the fact that he's scoring fewer points? His USG is his lowest since his rookie season, I think by design. Or is it just perception because he's playing fewer games (to keep him fresh) and fewer MPG?

Personally (again, without watching the games), I think Dwight doesn't seem to be the problem.

Dwight is not the problem with this team. He is the only one along with Capela who gives max effort every time they play. Unfortunately, Deight cannot play everyday anymore. I think since the playoffs, Dwight has been satisfied with being a screener and offensive rebounder. I think that is what everybody wanted here.
Defensively, he has slipped. According to Matt Moore, his man is shooting above 50% at the rim on him this year. This is the 1st time his man has shot above 47% against him. Also he has lost a step. He can no longer switch onto guards in PnR situations. When he switches nowadays, the guard takes 2-3 dribbles back and blows by Dwight. They are not worried about him blocking shots from behind. He also is not as "springy" as he used to be when he could challenge a shot in the air & then immediately challenge a 2nd shot (Capela can).
I know the national pundits are referring to him not scoring as many points as he used to when citing his decline. Of course this is due to how he is used. He is still a way above average defender, he is just not in the conversation for the best defender in league anymore.

[majik19]

I know the national pundits are referring to him not scoring as many points as he used to when citing his decline. Of course this is due to how he is used. He is still a way above average defender, he is just not in the conversation for the best defender in league anymore.

 

My hope is he can still be that guy in the playoffs... assuming we can make it. 

[Under estimated champion]

Media pundits don't watch the games, Howard is far from the problem, the rockets need another scorer