The Impending Downfall of Dwight Howard

He was one of the most dominant centers. Was.

He has jumped from one conference to another. Twice.

Back in 2009, Dwight David Howard carried his Orlando Magic on his back, defeating LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals - denying us NBA fans the golden opportunity to witness a Finals match-up that would have featured Kobe Bryant going up against the King himself.

Of course, the Magic would eventually lose to the Finals against the Lakers, 4-1. Since then, the Magic has never recovered. Dwight Howard's career has become a roller coaster ride even when he was traded the Lakers before the start of the 2012-2013 season which ended in nuts, unfortunately.

He signed with the Houston Rockets after a miserable, forgettable stint alongside Kobe Bryant, and enjoyed some significant success as a consistent starter.

Then, he signed with the Atlanta Hawks for the 2016-2017 season which saw his numbers dropping horribly to career lows. He only averaged 13.5 points per game, his 2nd lowest since his rookie season. On the other hand, his field goal percentage has improved. He made 63% of his shots during the 2016-2017 season- 4th in the league in that category. His 12 rebounds per game also put him in the top 5 among the league's leading rebounders.

Despite his still-respectable numbers and him being an 8-time All-Star, the Houston Rockets once said that nobody would trade for Dwight Howard because he is no longer capable of becoming a dominant franchise player like he once was during his stint with the Magic.

Okay. Let's say he's no longer the same "Superman" who defeated LeBron James and the Cavs back in 2009 but ladies and gentlemen, Dwight Howard is still young at 31. Relatively speaking, he still has a few years in his tank and like it or not, he has been working hard to get his dominant self back.Given the chance and the appropriate minutes, he will prove his doubters wrong and he will. 

Now entering his 14th season with his new team, the Charlotte Hornets after being traded, again, "Superman" looks to wear his cape again as he hopes to lead the Hornets, who finished last season in 11th place in the East. Howard may no longer be the same guy we all knew back then but he is still here. He is still healthy. And most importantly, Dwight Howard can still dunk over defenders.