Foul on You

Dwight Howard became a mockery in the recent playoff series against the Charlotte Bobcats. His foul trouble limited him to average 28 minutes a game throughout the series. Howard is usually a master at avoiding fouls, blocking 2.8 shots per contest. It’s no surprise that he plays physical, but fouling out of games is not a familiar scenario for Howard.

Already the youngest player ever with two NBA defensive player of the year awards, Howard felt disrespected by the referees. He claimed a lack of "star" treatment when compared to the likes of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. In his blog he stated, "I just don't see other star players getting called for fouls the way I get them. No star player in the league is outta games the way I am."

Well Howard, there must be some self-evaluation and self-responsibility here. The fouls have somewhat been accurate for the exception of some unavoidable collisions, which usually go either way. When Howard starts reaching in against point guards, the referees will not give him the benefit of the doubt.

The Magic center is not playing great basketball he wanted to show off this post season. However, following the first four games of the 2010 playoffs he can’t complain. Orlando was the first team to get their tickets punched into the second round. Advancing despite Howard’s limited minutes shows the depth of the Orlando Magic.

Howard may expect star treatment, but whom is he comparing himself to? LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Kevin Durant? These guys are all slashers and pure scorers. Amare Stoudemire may be the best comparable player, but again he is a pure scorer, Howard is not. Howard has far greater defensive assignments than all of those “stars.” He has to contest almost every shot in his vicinity and he doesn’t have to score nearly as much so it’s hard for him to gage whether he is being treated fairly.

Howard has gotten away with a lot of contact and because he is so strong it does appear somewhat abusive against other centers when he’s fighting for position. Of course smaller guys tend to flop, and those are hard fouls to accept. Yet when Howard reaches in or swipes down on players, it’s relatively easy to call a foul on him. Wade, James, and Bryant all tend to guard passive offensive players unless they must absolutely guard the opposing teams best player, thus foul calls against them tend to be limited.

Howard must focus his attention on altering shots and playing smart on the offensive end. His offensive foul rate is alarming, and if flopping is the reason for that, Howard might have to get with the program and flop with the flopper because he continues to find himself on the wrong side of the a entanglement.

Being smarter with his lower body instead of flaring his elbows and arms are a smart way to avoid cheap calls. The best strategy defending Howard is to get the biggest and strongest center frustrated. It has worked, even though the Magic keep winning.

Against the Hawks, Howard will have a chance to showcase his defensive skills. Lets hope the bobcats were just a friendly reminder that even the defensive player of the year can be a target if he gets lazy or unfocused.