Sometimes because he is seems almost larger than life compared to the other NBA giants, and given how much he dominates the paint, people forget just how young Dwight Howard still is. He’s truly a ‘man-child’ as he’s only 23 years old. But this man child today was named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year. At 23, Howard also set a new record as the youngest ever to win the prestigious award.
Unlike excelling on offense, being a great defender has historically been something reserved for the veterans. I’m not sure why, aside from the fact that to be a great defender you not only need to be in tremendous physical shape, you also have to have the maturity to dedicate yourself to doing all the little things necessary to stop the opposition.
More than anything, I respect a quality defender. It’s hard work to constantly be thinking about cutting down angles, proper spacing, helping your teammates, communicating, blocking out, timing, knowing your opposition in and out. There is just so much to know to shut someone down in the manner that Dwight Howard has done to his opponents all season. Dwight “Superman” Howard received 102 out of a possible 119 first place votes, so clearly he won by a landslide.
Imagine how tough it will be to score on this guy when he hits his prime?!
