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NBA: Player Rankings – Week 14

By Jared Jackson

Jan 31, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after receiving a foul in the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after receiving a foul in the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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15. Dwight Howard (C, Houston Rockets) 

Feb 1, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) dunks during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) dunks during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Just by looking at the Eastern Conference All-Star starting lineup, it is clear that the league does not value Dwight Howard’s “skills.” For all those who said his defensive presence is dominant, why do the Rockets give up 101.4 points per game (which ranks 17th in the league)? His field goal percentage is down about 4 percent from his career average in January and his points per game have dipped just a bit. Howard is still struggling to find his place on this squad (maybe a recurring theme?). If the Rockets hope to make any serious noise in the playoffs, they better get Dwight nice and comfortable.