Originally Published: June 10, 2009, 05:02 AM

It’s Time for Clark Kent to Man Up!

Posted By Diego | Other News | June 10, 2009, 05:02 AM |

This is something that a lot of people may have expected had the Magic not defeated the best team in the NBA—MVP LeBron in tow—in six short games. Many thought Orlando could hold its own better than this, especially with young superstar and Olympic gold medalist Dwight Howard, also known as Superman, on the court.

Howard, who came straight from high school into the NBA, has a lot in common with the superstar on the other end of the floor, Kobe Bryant. During their first couple of years, they weren’t extremely productive. However, Kobe had Shaq in LA to dish the ball to. Dwight, unfortunately, is expected to be Shaq and Kobe in one. The 6-11 stud from Atlanta has his hands full.

It hasn’t taken long for Howard to fill this role in the regular season and the post season to this point, but once you’re at the Finals, it’s time to up your game – not downgrade it to the point of supreme ineffectiveness.

Orlando is packed with shooters. Dwight is really the only low-post presence they have. When you’re dealing with LA and their three big-man combo, other players on the floor also need to pick it up. With the Magic, you get a lot of sporadic play; you get a lot of guys hurling the ball up, trying to play slot machines instead of a more hands-on game that isn’t based on so much luck. And although it’s a shooter’s nature to shoot, it isn’t entirely their fault for the repeated prayers thrown toward the basket only to rim out.

Dwight is the guy you play inside-out basketball with. Whether it’s Odom, Bynum or Gasol, he can sit right underneath the basket. However, when he gets the ball, he’s not putting it in the basket. This puts the pressure on the shooters to bail out the team, and there’s nothing more detrimental to a team than relying on the jump shot and missing the jump shot.

With a three-game stint at home before going back to LA (if necessary), the Magic have their hands full here. If Dwight Howard doesn’t put on his cape soon, the Lakers are sure to sweep up the remains of the Magic. At least it’s sunny in Florida.

Embed This is something that a lot of people may have expected had the Magic not defeated the best team in the NBA—MVP LeBron in tow—in six short games. Many thought Orlando could hold its own better than this, especially with young superstar and Olympic gold medalist Dwight Howard, also known as Superman, on the court.<br /><br /> Howard, who came straight from high school into the NBA, has a lot in common with the superstar on the other end of the floor, Kobe Bryant. During their first couple of years, they weren’t extremely productive. However, Kobe had Shaq in LA to dish the ball to. Dwight, unfortunately, is expected to be Shaq and Kobe in one. The 6-11 stud from Atlanta has his hands full.<br /><br /> It hasn’t taken long for Howard to fill this role in the regular season and the post season to this point, but once you’re at the Finals, it’s time to up your game – not downgrade it to the point of supreme ineffectiveness. <br /><br /> Orlando is packed with shooters. Dwight is really the only low-post presence they have. When you’re dealing with LA and their three big-man combo, other players on the floor also need to pick it up. With the Magic, you get a lot of sporadic play; you get a lot of guys hurling the ball up, trying to play <a href=http://www.casinotop10.net/slots.shtml target="_blank">slot machines</a> instead of a more hands-on game that isn’t based on so much luck. And although it’s a shooter’s nature to shoot, it isn’t entirely their fault for the repeated prayers thrown toward the basket only to rim out.<br /><br /> Dwight is the guy you play inside-out basketball with. Whether it’s Odom, Bynum or Gasol, he can sit right underneath the basket. However, when he gets the ball, he’s not putting it in the basket. This puts the pressure on the shooters to bail out the team, and there’s nothing more detrimental to a team than relying on the jump shot and missing the jump shot. <br /><br /> With a three-game stint at home before going back to LA (if necessary), the Magic have their hands full here. If Dwight Howard doesn’t put on his cape soon, the Lakers are sure to sweep up the remains of the Magic. At least it’s sunny in Florida. </p><br /><a href='http://www.nba-vids.com'>NBA Vids</a> | <a href='http://www.nba-vids.com/Other/Its-Time-for-Clark-Kent-to-Man-Up'>It’s Time for Clark Kent to Man Up!</a>