No this is not a joke. Howard was on “The Jump” and was discussing how he has been working on his three-point shot this summer to add another layer to his game and extend his career.
Howard has always been known for his impressive physique, elite strength and rebounding ability, but not for his ability to consistently make shots beyond 5 to 7 feet or so.
He is a 56.5% free throw shooter over his 13 seasons and has shot, (wait for it…) 8.9% from downtown.
That doesn’t really sound like the kind of guy that should be attempting to extend his range to the arc, even in the free-flowing position-less NBA of today.
Here is Howard discussing expanding his desire to shoot three-pointers next season:
Hawks center Dwight Howard says he's "working hard" on his 3-point game to extend career. He's 5-of-56 from 3-point range in his career. pic.twitter.com/FzJx9BOcsJ
— Jordan Heck (@JordanHeckFF) June 6, 2017
Howard should focus on being a better team leader and getting along with his teammates rather than adding an unnecessary skill to his game.
I understand the NBA has changed dramatically in the last few years and traditional centers are even encouraged to stretch the floor with their shooting, but when Howard and Hassan Whiteside are talking about adding the long range shot to their game, that’s when we have gone too far.
Kind of like when middle aged white people get turned on to a hip dance craze.
