Josh Howard is the most critical player on the Mavs

[Freelance]

Growing up, I was a huge fan of Magic Johnson. In the 80s, it was Jordan. No crap, you say. Who wasn't? Very true.

But my favorite player these days isn't Duncan or Dirk, Kobe or Iverson, LeBron or Garnett. My favorite player, without question, is Josh Howard.

Yes, I'm a Mavs fan and live in the Dallas area, and I get to see this guy almost every game. I wonder how many basketball fans around the country that don't see every Mavericks game know just how good this guy is, and how much he improves seemingly every game.

He's got a game similar to Scottie Pippen, though I think he plays with more grit and abandon than Pippen did. He doesn't yet have Pippen's skills, but he's quickly becoming a scoring threat, and now he can create off the dribble better than anyone on the team.

Howard and Devin Harris give the Mavs two stars to take this momentum a long ways, and really, the whole team is relatively young.

Just throwing some props Josh Howard's way, because so little is said of the guy on this site or anywhere other than Dallas.

[fluent2332]

Re: Josh Howard is the most critical player on the Mavs

Howard is very overlooked, underrated in fact as to his impact for Mavs. But IMO he's the 2nd most critical player behind Dirk obviously. Not to downplay his game or anything. He's a great rebounder on both ends at only 6'7 , very athletic scorer, hustles all over the place and is a great defender. He seems to get better every game too. THe Mavs are going to be good for a long time..Howard, Harris, Daniels who is coming on lately, yikes, even Podkolzin who has alot of upside but has yet to show, and Dirk is only 28 years old. But yeah, props to Josh Howard!!

[WFU2521]

Re: Josh Howard is the most critical player on the Mavs

thank you give this man so respect. loved watching him play for 4 years in college. i can still remember his first game fo his freshmen season. he has really developed his game an is by far my favorite NBA player. b/c of him the Mavs have become my favorite NBA team. he is also a cool guy. i got to meet him when he came to my HS for a bball camp this summer.


dont foget to add daniels in with harris and howard as really good young players

[dieselboy]

Re: Josh Howard is the most critical player on the Mavs

Most critical? I'm gonna go on a limb and say Dirk.

[HMcCoy]

Re: Josh Howard is the most critical player on the Mavs

The Mavs have such a great young nucleus. They should be great for years if they can keep them all.

[Playmakers]

Re: Josh Howard is the most critical player on the Mavs

Although Marquise Daniels is my favorite Mavs player, Howard is the real deal. He brings energy and hustle on both ends. The guy was a steal in that 2003 draft class.

Kevin Garnett actually took a stab at McHale for passing on Howard that year. I think the reason why he gets overlooks is because the Mavs aren't a big time market team. He's a great slasher and he'll battle for rebounds even at 6'7. His range is improving and I was shocked to see he actually shoots 41% from 3-pt range this year. He was even on the All-Star ballot out west which is kinda surprising. His #'s this year are actually better than Manu Ginoboli's #'s last year when Manu made the All-Star team.

But overall with Howard, Harris and Daniels the Mavs have great future if they can lock up Howard next offseason to a long term deal. They are all capable of playing two posistions which adds so much flexibility to the Mavs lineup.

[fluent2332]

Re: Josh Howard is the most critical player on the Mavs

Podkolzin is also said to have a ton of upside, we just haven't seen anything from him yet. From what they say though he is a very capable low post scorer and uses his height well. It will be interesting to see how he comes along too..

[ZB9]

Re: Josh Howard is the most critical player on the Mavs

Howard was an absolute steal at #29 in the first round. If that draft were to be done again with hindsight, Josh would be a lottery pick.

When is he an UFA? Dallas HAS to make sure they keep that kid. He is going to be huge for the success of that team.

[Pointguard]

Re: Josh Howard is the most critical player on the Mavs

Josh Howard will not even become a RFA much less a UFA. Im pretty sure this offseason (or in the fall to be specific) Cuban and Josh's agent will work out a contract similar to Tayshuan Prince (5 years, 47 million) to keep Howard in Dallas another 6 years.

Howard's my 2nd favorite maverick behind Devin Harris but I dont think he's the most critical. Dirk is the guy that allows everyone to play their game offensively.

Oh, and Pavel isnt anything but potential like 80% of the youngsters. Nothing special.

[WFU2521]

Re: Josh Howard is the most critical player on the Mavs

Josh Howard will not even become a RFA much less a UFA. Im pretty sure this offseason (or in the fall to be specific) Cuban and Josh's agent will work out a contract similar to Tayshuan Prince (5 years, 47 million) to keep Howard in Dallas another 6 years.

Howard's my 2nd favorite maverick behind Devin Harris but I dont think he's the most critical. Dirk is the guy that allows everyone to play their game offensively.

Oh, and Pavel isnt anything but potential like 80% of the youngsters. Nothing special.

likely b/c this is the last season of his 3 year rookie contract

[muzion]

Re: Josh Howard is the most critical player on the Mavs

Josh Howard most definitely is the most critical player on the Mavs, especially considering Dirk has yet to perform up to par in the playoffs. Howard does everything on the court well, he's a complete player, and how many people actually are nowadays. Howard and Terry carried em last year in the 'offs, they need to be even better this year. He is the key to the Mavs success. They truly have a chance of going to the finals with Duncan having a subpar year with his injuries.

[Freelance]

Re: Josh Howard is the most critical player on the Mavs

especially considering Dirk has yet to perform up to par in the playoffs.

Not exactly. Last year, Dirk had a bad playoff run, but in previous playoffs, he was outstanding. It was Finley that disappeared year after year.

And Pavel is interesting, but they are much more excited about D.J. Mbenga, who is the most chiseled specimen in the league and the fastest player on the team, even though he's 7-foot.

[WFU2521]

Re: Josh Howard is the most critical player on the Mavs

And Pavel is interesting, but they are much more excited about D.J. Mbenga, who is the most chiseled specimen in the league and the fastest player on the team, even though he's 7-foot.

is mbenga really faster than j-ho?

dont forget diop. he has turned into a nice defensive presence

[Vince]

Re: Josh Howard is the most critical player on the Mavs

Who is better Howard or Tay Prince?

[Pointguard]

Re: Josh Howard is the most critical player on the Mavs

Gimme Howard.


But I'll wait for Clay to come running and explain how playing with the 4 "all-stars" hurts Tayshaun and he could score 25 PPG if he was on another team. Blah, Blah, Blah.