A Healthy Dwight Howard Is All The Houston Rockets Need

The Rockets do not need an elite MVP season from Dwight Howard, all they need is for him to be healthy!

It’s hard to imagine that most NBA fans no longer consider Dwight Howard as a top big man in the league.

With headlines that read “Dwight Howard Sucks,” and the rise of young big men Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, and Blake Griffin. Dwight Howard no longer receives the respect he deserves.

Nearly everyone believes in order for the Houston Rockets to emerge out the Western Conference next season, Howard must be the same physical and athletic big man that carried an underrated Magic team to the NBA Finals.

Without a doubt, it would be nice to see Howard play like the player that once averaged 23 points, 2.4 blocks, and an astonishing 14.1 rebounds per game for the Orlando Magic in 2011. Unfortunately, after battling injuries over the past few season, Howard is no longer the same player he once was. However, he is still a dominant player.Even after missing over half of the 2014-15 season last year, Dwight Howard still managed to averaged 15.8 points, 10.5 rebound, and 1.3 blocks. Some solid numbers for the eight time All-Star center.

Apr 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) dunks in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Rockets beat the Mavs 130-128. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Although James Harden was able to put on a stellar MVP season, the Rockets were still a better team when the three-time Defensive Player of the Year was in the lineup. In the 41 games the Rockets played without Howard, Houston were out rebounded 16 times and gave up 101.2 points per games.

With Howard, Houston out rebounded over half their opponents, and held teams under 100 points at 97.4 points per game. Making their defense sixth best in the league. Even on offense, the Rockets were able to average 104.3 points per game with Howard on the court.

Dwight’s 16.4 points and ridiculous 14.0 rebounds during the postseason may have been overlooked, but the Rockets would not have gotten to the Western Conference Finals without him.

The Rockets are by far the best team Dwight Howard has ever played for throughout his NBA career.Playing with guys like James Harden, Trevor Ariza, and now Ty Lawson, Howard no longer have to put up big scoring numbers every night like he once did for the Magic.

He may not be the same player he once was a few years ago, but from time to time we still see flashes of MVP caliber Dwight Howard.

Remember his monster postseason performers against the Portland Trail Blazers in 2014.

If anybody says the Rockets are a better team without Dwight Howard clearly does not know anything about basketball.

The Rockets do not need MVP Dwight Howard to win. All they need is a healthy Dwight Howard to contribute as one of the league’s best big men.A healthy Dwight can make Houston a nice destination for the Larry O’Brien trophy next summer.

Maybe after you win that elusive NBA title Dwight they may finally leave you alone, and give you the respect you deserve.

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