Any denials of a serious rift between Dwight Howard and head coach Mike D'Antoni in Los Angeles will ring hollow after D'Antoni's latest comments about the departed center, who left 30 million Laker dollars on the table to join the Houston Rockets.
Howard's chief problem with D'Antoni was a perceived misuse of the All-Star center. D'Antoni's system featured lots of pick and rolls with point guard Steve Nash, and operated at a fast pace. Howard preferred a slower approach with him featured, and getting a lot of post touches.
D'Antoni laughed about Howard moving to Houston, where Hall of Fame former Boston Celtic Kevin McHale, one of the greatest post players in NBA history, is the head coach.
"The thing that cracks me up is Houston, they do the exact same thing," D'Antoni said. "And so (Howard) is gonna go to Houston? OK, so did they talk about change there? Don't tell me that it's that different."
He went on to compliment Howard's ability but seemed to imply that Howard needs an attitude adjustment, as well as be more receptive to change.
"He's a force and he can be really, really good and dominate the league. But it's in an area that he's not loving right now. He wants to dominate a different way, in the low post and all that. But he needs to get better there, and he will. But his greatness is in defense and being a physical force. I think he'd be better served if he embraces that. But he's good."
While the Lakers coach sounds bitter, he has a point. The Rockets led the NBA in offensive pace, and relied on rushing up and down the court, with James Harden and Chandler Parsons launching the second-most 3-pointers in the league.
Those shooters might be better served with open looks if Howard is effective in the post, but the style change may take some getting used to.
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