Dwight Howard: The New Shaq?
Twelve years after the legendary center, Shaquille O’Neal, made his huge splash with the Orlando Magic, the franchise found themselves in the same boat once again.
In 2004, the Magic had the first pick in the NBA draft, like 1992, they drafted a 7 footer. This time with Dwight Howard.
Once he entered the league, Dwight Howard made it clear that he was going to be a star. Still, he lost Rookie of the Year honors to Charlotte’s Emeka Okafor.
Coming into his second season, Howard made a name for himself on the defensive end, teaming with Jameer Nelson to form a center-guard duo.
In 2007, the team finally broke through, making the playoffs with Howard becoming an all-star. It was clear that Howard was the leader of this team from that point on.
He became an offensive force, also, in the 2007-2008 season, with the physical features of a body builder. It was this season when Howard took the role of Superman from Shaq.
In the 2008 playoffs, Howard solidified his position as a dominant force as he pushed Chris Bosh around for the five games the Magic played against the Raptors. However, his heroics were not enough to defeat Detroit in the next round.
Dwight Howard proved himself once and for all in the 2008-2009 season, leading the Magic to the Southeast Division title and a 59-23 record.
He dominated the Philadelphia 76ers in 5 games, but was suspended for game six, and, he cemented his legacy in the next round. He led the Magic to a game seven victory in Boston, dethroning the NBA champions.
In the Eastern Conference Finals, Howard added to his legacy. In game six against Cleveland, he posted 40 points 14 rebounds all in the 103-90 victory over the Cavaliers.
Dwight Howard sent “king” James home in a season that was supposed to end with the Cavaliers defeating the Lakers to win the championship.
Like Shaq in the 1995 Finals, Howard put forth a solid performance, but it was not enough to overtake the Lakers.
Still, now, when you talk about the most dominant center in the present-day NBA, more times than not, Dwight Howard’s name will come up.
