These days, this is the idea of a Howard dunk highlight:
And lets not forget this little mishap from the preseason:
Not coincidentally, Howard is averaging just 10.5 rebounds on the season – the lowest mark since his rookie year, when he averaged 10 rebounds as an 18-year-old.
Presumably, the slight lack of mobility can be attributed to the back surgery he had on his herniated disc over the summer. The fact that Howard still appears to be a more tentative version of himself after the first month of the season is concerning – we simply don’t know if he can return to form this season.
The Lakers’ defense is only going to go as far as Howard can carry it, but can his surgically repaired back handle the load? We’ll find out more as the season goes along.
Tweet of the Day: Chris Wilcox