That’s an explanation that I can live with. Initially, I thought you were arguing along the lines of Jabbar not having a great deal of intensity because it was largely imperceptible. I feel where you’re coming from now.

Dan Marino. Ouch!! You could be right.

Rebounding is about effort. Dwight lets the opposition slip under him on the box way too much, putting him in jeopardy of over the back fouls. Watch him tonight.

Yes he’s young and he will learn but the time is now. Not later. Marino anyone?

I think we agree.

I didn’t mention Jabbar as a point of comparison for what Dwight Howard is doing. That would be unfair to say the least. I only mentioned Jabbar in the context of his tenacity and ability to consistently deliver on both ends of the floor and in all phases of the game (part of an earlier convo upthread with Mizzo about coaching D. Howard).

I most definitely agree about the Lakers length. That was my key to the Denver series — same thing here. And I also think you’re right in suggesting that Mizzo isn’t giving the Lake Show enough credit. Still, I can see his point — these guys do not evoke images of strong defense in any form or fashion — but they are blocking shots and pulling boards. They did it against Denver and they’re doing it again vs. ORL.

@Mizzo
You gotta give the Lakers credit man. I’m not going to stop singing this song!!!!! Gasol is doing his thing. He’s scoring (while shooting a decent percentage) and rebounding. Bynum is being a legit center for 5 minute stretches and L.O. is really getting it in. You keep asking for Dwight to be montrous but it’s not fair to ask him to play 3 on 1. These dudes aren’t bums man.

I don’t know if the gap between what is and what can be with Dwight Howard is about energy or execution.

Finally, Kareem’s methods were just as African as Ewing’s. I know what you meant, but a little precision here is always appreciated.

To each his own, but…

When Kareem was doing stuff like averaging 28 points, 17 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks, what exactly was that?

Only Kareem and Chamberlain were as dominant in these 4 statistical categories — and Kareem didn’t have a Russell or an Olajuwon to steal his thunder. He was the thunder and the lightning.

Now…

How do you call a cat Superman but always wanna put him in tights?

It ain’t all Dwight’s fault. It’s the way the league is now. It seems the league wants these cats soft or they would allow a big man who is virtually unstoppable to get off.

Let him funk. I wish the league would stop hatin’. Damn.

Who does it serve if Dwight becomes this superstar that isn’t physically offensive and why don’t they show his parents more?

Beautiful couple who raised Dwight in the game.

Imagine this cat in NBA Jam.

Dude he’d be taller than the rim.

BOOOM SHOCKALACKA!!!

I used to bust my boy Scott’s ass in that game. He wanted nothing of Barkley and KJ.

Ahh the good ole days…oh well. I guess it’s time to get African cane fitted in the image of that oh so respected Pan-Africanist flame, John Henrik Clarke.

We’ll see how it goes in Game 3. I say he for 30 and 20 tonight and the Magic blow the Lakers out.

My bad

Offensively I’m really not mad at Dwight. Yeah he’s struggling. And?

He also struggled against the Pistons a few years ago before overcoming that hurdle.

Does anyone else remember Shaq getting swept by the Rockets? Sure he scored but he didn’t dominate. It took him until his prime with the Lakers to truly develop a dominating offensive arsenal.

It’s way too easy to hold Howard down because he doesn’t have range outside of 5 feet. If he could shoot a jump shot from 7 to 10 he’d be close to unstoppable. Seriously.

The Lakers are a great defensive team but they are a good offensive team. The proof is in the pudding baby. They make you shoot over size and that’s just plain not easy to do.

His players dig him a lot more than what is publicized.

Miz,
I have no problem with Stan Van diggin’ in the players a$$es. My problem is him doing it through the press. Going at players through the press, instead of keeping it in house, is a sure formula for discontent, players not playing as hard as they would normally, and a short stay for Stan.

Yes, it is early but you are correct when you say “They just don’t have any more room for error.”

They have to take 3 games here or risk burping Red Stripe.

Mizzo — frankly, if the Magic attacked the rim more often, Dwight Howard would average 20+ boards a game right now. So many of the rebounds in their games come flying off the backboard. That’s a big factor.

I’m willing to indulge the Magic in their right to have a learning curve. They’ve only played 2 games so far. The series is far from over. They just to have a little home cooking — and we’ll see what happens then.

It’s still early. They just don’t have any more room for error.