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NBA Player Power Rankings: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not?

By Maxwell Ogden

January 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after shooting a three-point shot during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hornets 111-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after shooting a three-point shot during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hornets 111-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 13, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) attempts to get a rebound during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) attempts to get a rebound during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets

Last Rank: N/A

Position: Center

Age: 30

Slash Line: .618/.000/.529

Season Averages: 33.2 MPG, 14.2 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 3.6 ORPG, 1.5 APG, 1.6 BPG, 1.0 SPG

Verdict: Hot

Whether you love him, hate him, or feel indifferent, Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard is beginning to look like a star again. Houston is making a more concerted effort to get him his touches, and Howard is rewarding their faith.

More importantly, he’s helping the Rockets win.

Howard closed out December with two big performances: 30 points and 16 rebounds against the Atlanta Hawks, and 21 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals in a matchup with the Golden State Warriors. He’s picked up where he left off in January, averaging 18.2 points and 13.2 rebounds on 62.3 percent shooting from the field.

Over the past week, Howard helped Houston achieve three important victories.

D-12 posted 21 points and 17 rebounds in 43 minutes during a 107-103 escape of the Indiana Pacers. He also tallied 17 points and 14 rebounds on perfect 5-of-5 shooting from the free throw line in a win over Marc Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies, and had 15 points and 10 boards in a 107-104 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

With six consecutive double-doubles and visibly improved focus on both ends, Howard is closing in on a return to the Top 20.

Next: Back in the Top 20 Discussion