Dwight Howard
Right now hopes are high among the Lakers faithful that Dwight Howard will come into the preseason a reformed man. Fans and members of the media alike, quickly point out that he’s lost 25 pounds, and this is his last chance in the NBA when discussing how Dwight’s a changed man.
Last month Lakers fans placed their faith in DeMarcus Cousins, another center who suffered injuries, had a bad attitude, and was looking for a final chance in Hollywood. Cousins, just like Howard, had lost significant weight and was saying all the right things.
Fast forward a month, and a warrant’s been issued for DeMarcus Cousins because he threatened to shoot his ex-girlfriend in the head.
It’s effortless for a professional basketball player, or anybody for that matter, to say that they’ve changed, but it’s challenging actually to transform into a new person.
People build up mental habits of negativity, ego, anger, or any other bad psychological quality for decades and its incredibly hard to supplant behaviors that have been established over a long time. A person can change, but it’s tough.
Dwight Howard doesn’t have an ordinary buildup of arrogance and negativity; his problems are next level. He’s the Thanos of self-important and pessimistic people strutting around on the streets.
It’s going to be almost impossible for Howard to really develop a new personality and accept a role as the Lakers backup (or possibly starting) defensive center. A player who’s on the squad to do the grunt work, the type of labor that’s incredibly important, but rarely praised in the media.
Howard will probably start the season with all of his egotism and negativity damned up and a pleasant attitude on display. However, as the season progresses, there will be signs of his damn springing leaks.
First Howard will hang his head after he’s wide-open in front of the rim, but doesn’t get a pass.
Next, he’ll trot back in transition instead of sprinting after not getting a post touch on offense.
Finally, the damn will break apart, and his true colors will flow unhindered. Look for the moment when Howard doesn’t even trot back on defense. Instead, he’ll stand with his hands on his hips in frustration after rolling hard to the rim only to have LeBron pass to an open Danny Green waiting behind the arc.
That will be the end of Howard’s career in the NBA.
Prediction:
Dwight Howard will get cut 30 games into the season.