Charlotte Hornets: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season
5. Dwight Howard will be an All-Star again
Howard was an excellent pickup by the Hornets this offseason. Not only did he average 13.5 points and 12.7 rebounds per game last season, but every single season of his 13-year career, he has averaged a double-double. In addition, Howard helped the Atlanta Hawks make the playoffs last year.
As a former eight-time All-Star and an eight-time All-NBA selection, there was no reason why he shouldn’t have been an All-Star last season. But it’s a what have you done for me lately? type of league.
There’s no sugarcoating it — Howard’s free throw percentages are atrocious. He was a 53 percent free throw shooter last season, and commendably his stat line went up in the postseason to 63 percent. However, there’s no reason those numbers can’t go up again in 2017-18.
Howard must not only get his priorities straight, but he must also face reality. Because shortly after the season ended, he had this to say while appearing on the The Jump, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution:
"“I’ve been working on my threes, really trying to add some range to my game,” Howard said. “Which is going to be weird for people to see, I guess. They are used to seeing me in the paint battling. “But in order for me to play longer, I have to expand my game. The game is not just back-to-the-basket, get the ball in the post and go to work. It’s more stepping away from the basket, setting screens, popping, shooting threes and stuff like that. People haven’t seen me do that. It’s going to be an adjustment for me, but also the fans. I think it’s going to be fun.”"
Howard has to return to earth. Because if he thinks he can become a 3-point shooter over the course of one summer, then surely he can put in that time to learn to make a simple free throw.
It all begins with discipline. Howard should be the first one to the gym, and the last one out. He should practice free throws until his arms fall off. And if Howard ever attempts a three during a game, his own teammates should foul him.
Yet, it’s very plausible that if he really cares about his game, that Howard will improve upon his free throw percentages. He doesn’t need to turn into Reggie Miller at the line, he just has to make his free throws. Charlotte can’t afford to be donating to charity every time Howard’s at the line.
Therefore, once Howard starts making his free throws, be ready to see him once again at the All-Star game next season. He could still probably rock the Slam Dunk Contest, but this time he’ll only use his superpowers to take on the West.