Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles Lakers has been given the ardent task of trying to throw Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets off his game. It has been apparent with the 34-year-old shifting to heckler mode. The ploy may have worked in game 2 of the Western Conference finals. Unfortunately, Denver proved that they can deal with the insults after taking Game 3.
Looking ahead, Howard is expected to continue his heckling ways. Jokic has so far stayed composed although the Nuggets side is not too happy. But then again, the mental game is in play, Yahoo Sports reported. For as long as it is kept within boundaries, all Denver can do right now take it as a challenge.
Before the Nuggets, Howards was not used that much. That led to some speculating that he may no longer be around next NBA season. But before that, he needs to play out his contract. His job now is to check Jokic at all costs – both inside and outside the court.
When the two are on the court, Howard has resorted to bullying. Given his history, the five-time All-Defensive team member is no stranger when it comes to playing the villain. He proved it the last time he was with the Los Angeles Lakers, exposing a rift between him and the late Kobe Bryant.
Moving to the Houston Rockets, it was no different. Things did not work out and Howard even ran into a string of bad luck. This came in the form of injuries. It was all downhill from there and the 6-foot-11 saw his stock dip.
Despite that fall, the Lakers still took a chance on him. With DeMarcus Cousins getting injured, the Lakers were looking for a big man who could back up Anthony Davis. Howard’s name cropped up though the reactions were mixed. Most knew what happened to him since his last Hollywood stays and Howard needed to prove his worth.
To the surprise of most, he did show he could be a team player. Even with limited minutes, Howard showed he could co-exist with other superstars, particularly Davis and LeBron James.
However, things are bound to be different after this season. Howard is likely to seek higher pay and the Lakers are too cast-strapped to give in to that. Other teams could take him in and give him even more playing time.
That is the landscape for the eight-time NBA All-Star after this season. For now, his job is to defend – something he is used to doing – aside from the bullying and heckling.
