Sunday, October 23rd, 2011 at 12:12 pm  |  536 responses

Top 50: Dwight Howard, no. 6

The definitive ranking of the NBA’s best players.

by Sandy Dover / @San_Dova

Dwight Howard was never Superman. I repeat—he was never Superman. There was never a Clark Kent in him and there wasn’t really a Son of Krypton in him, either. Dwight Howard has never been a savior. (You do know that Superman was created, in disguise, as the Judaic Messiah, right?) Dwight isn’t Kal-El, and I don’t think even he literally wants that. No, he was more like The Man of Tomorrow in body, or The Metropolis Kid in mind even…Steel, presently, maybe…but he was never Superman. He could never do it all.

But that doesn’t mean he isn’t the best.Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard shines because he smiles. He’s smiled in adversity, he’s smiled in victory, he’s smiled while on high, he’s been smiling in lower times. As fans, we got spoiled. We took the ‘90s for granted. When we saw Patrick Ewing shoot fadeaways from the elbow in Knick blue, we didn’t understand what wouldn’t come. When Alonzo Mourning blocked three shots a game, boarded 10 rebounds and still put up 20-some points primarily as a defensive magnet, we didn’t stop to “think about the future!!” as Jack Napier told his corrupt Gotham connect in 1989’s “Batman.” We must’ve thought the essence of Hakeem’s Dream would extend for years after he left H-Town (or Canada…). And now our beloved Tim Duncan is going. We didn’t appreciate the greatness of the pivot as we now do.

Dwight Howard is no longer the status quo—he is the anomaly.

So when a man manages to average 18 points and almost 13 boards per game, becomes the defining defender of his generation, and one of the all-time greatest big men in NBA history from the ages of 18 to 25 in a seven-year period, we should pay homage to what he truly is…he is neither savior nor messenger, no. He is the message.

Understand that when I say that Dwight was never Superman, I don’t mean that as a takedown. The Big Diesel came and went. That era in black pinstripes and Magic blue was startlingly beautiful and amazing. Never might we see a 300-lb+ monster of a man at 7-2 (really) take over a game in the way that Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal did. The Superman moniker that the media haphazardly gave to Dwight wasn’t meant to dethrone the true Son of Krypton, for he was the last—he became The Eradicator. Dwight ascended into the glory of the shield, because (not unlike the Supermen who came forth in the true Superman’s absence) he represented the essence of that old glory. The aural nature of Dwight’s presence is what, in part, encouraged this literal manchild-turned-man to don red, yellow and blue outside of battle. The costume is Dwight’s nickname, his true identity is his adidas-made uniform. Sometimes the nostalgic essence of a person is just the beginning of something new; it’s a foundation to work from, not to live up to.

Dwight Howard is the message to the new generation of players. He is 6-9 6-11 and around 250 lbs. He is the Shaq that endured. He is the Mayce Edward Christopher Webber that came. He is the Akeem before The Dream. Moreover, he is the impermanent Man of Steel of the present. But even greater, he is the Dwight Howard of the future.

He is the message.

Sandy Dover is a published author, media & fitness professional, and SLAM web columnist & print contributor whose work has been featured and published by US News, Yahoo!, Robert Atwan’s “America Now” and ESPN. You can find Sandy frequently here at SLAMonline and via his website at About.Me/SandyDover.

SLAMonline Top 50 Players 2011
Rank Player Team Position Pos. Rank
50 Luol Deng Bulls SF 8
49 Andrew Bogut Bucks C 7
48 Ray Allen Celtics SG 9
47 Marc Gasol Grizzlies C 6
46 David West Hornets PF 15
45 Kevin Martin Rockets SG 8
44 Andrew Bynum Lakers C 5
43 Brandon Jennings Bucks PG 11
42 Lamar Odom Lakers PF 14
41 Gerald Wallace Blazers SF 7
40 Brook Lopez Nets C 4
39 Joakim Noah Bulls C 3
38 Carlos Boozer Bulls PF 13
37 Kevin Garnett Celtics PF 12
36 Eric Gordon Clippers SG 7
35 Tony Parker Spurs PG 10
34 Andre Iguodala 76ers SG 6
33 Al Jefferson Jazz PF 11
32 Al Horford Hawks C 2
31 Stephen Curry Warriors PG 9
30 Tim Duncan Spurs PF 10
29 Josh Smith Hawks PF 9
28 Manu Ginobili Spurs SG 5
27 Tyreke Evans Kings PG 8
26 Rudy Gay Grizzlies SF 6
25 John Wall Wizards PG 7
24 Danny Granger Pacers SF 5
23 Monta Ellis Warriors SG 4
22 Joe Johnson Hawks SG 3
21 Paul Pierce Celtics SF 4
20 Steve Nash Suns PG 6
19 Zach Randolph Grizzlies PF 8
18 LaMarcus Aldridge Blazers PF 7
17 Chris Bosh Heat PF 6
16 Kevin Love TWolves PF 5
15 Rajon Rondo Celtics PG 5
14 Blake Griffin Clippers PF 4
13 Pau Gasol Lakers PF 3
12 Russell Westbrook Thunder PG 4
11 Amar’e Stoudemire Knicks PF 2
10 Deron Williams Nets PG 3
9 Carmelo Anthony Knicks SF 3
8 Chris Paul Hornets PG 2
7 Dirk Nowitzki Mavs PF 1
6 Dwight Howard Magic C 1

Notes
• Rankings are based solely on projected ’11-12 performance.
• Contributors to this list include: Maurice Bobb, Shannon Booher, David Cassilo, Bryan Crawford, Sandy Dover, Adam Figman, Jon Jaques, Eldon Khorshidi, Ryne Nelson, Doobie Okon, Ben Osborne, Quinn Peterson, Dave Schnur, Abe Schwadron, Dan Shapiro, Irv Soonachan, Todd Spehr, Tzvi Twersky, Yaron Weitzman, DeMarco Williams and Ben York.
• Want more of the SLAMonline Top 50? Check out the archive.

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  • http://www.bulls.com Enigmatic

    Ha.
    “I never sleep/cause sleep is the cousin of death”.
    Funny, Sunday’s DVR night for me. Don’t usually have time to watch my shows all week.

  • http://www.bulls.com Enigmatic

    Mad jealous of Jukai not having to work till noon.
    Man, I gotta get up at 6 tomorrow. FML.

  • http://www.fiba.com Darksaber

    I’m truly enjoying how ‘Matic, NBK-Sooper, JTaylor and *gasp* Jukai are keeping this year’s Top 50 going in the comments section.
    Keep it up, guys.

  • Maniac

    @otero – Yeah I like the idea of putting Bron and Rose together to get Wade. That sounds about right. Wade is amazing. (I have this theory that he took steroids in 08 to comeback for that super amazing 09 season). I just can’t personally take him over Kobe or Bron. Earlier I said that he has always been in their shadow. Everyone likes the underdog and that’s probably why some favor Wade over Kobe.

  • http://www.slamonline.com Dagger

    San Dova: what does that even mean? Were Dwight or Shaq ever called Superman because Superman can do everything all by himself? What player can do everything all by himself (and what is everything in this context, anyway)? What sense is there in holding a player to an impossible (and imaginary) standard? And beyond that: Dwight may obviously be the best at his position, but his spot in the rankings was definitely controversial. Some attempt to justify his ranking might have been nice, perhaps written by someone who believed he belongs where he’s ranked?

  • http://sdfklf.com Jukai

    Dark: If you join us, we’ll get this sucker over 500.

  • http://Slamonline.com Caboose

    Ok, allow me to summarize:
    -Maniac, I salute the effort, but you gotta sometimes acknowledge the fact that you could be wrong.
    -Maniac, you sound arrogant. Stop it.
    -nbk, good points as always, article links tend to not hold impact though. No newbies read them.
    -Enig, good stuff, always great to see your humor.
    -Z, you’re not better than us no matter how much you think you are.
    -Age isn’t terribly important. I’m 19 but I like to think I can make intelligent points.
    -This ranking is still ludicrous.
    -Kobe is right about at #10 all time.
    -Thanks for reading.

  • otero

    @Maniac I feel you but its the only way to make sense of it. Iverson played PG(SG when larry got there or really any backcourt spot when he needed) Derrick Rose also could play shooting guard as much as he shoots the ball. Iverson was a better shooting guard than pointguard. Sometimes your in a spot b/c of the condition of your roster or your stature. Wade also played the point. The Point Guard position has a definition and the player should be rated at that position based on how well he executes at that position. That doesnt take away from the special player who can do it all but it has alot to do with your understanding of the game and how to play your position to the T and then be able to do extra.

  • Maniac

    @Caboose – I accept that I can be wrong at times. I’ve probably been wrong about some stuff I said here today, but I don’t mean to come off as arrogant.

  • http://Slamonline.com nbk

    I appreciate the appreciation. Nice of y’all (Dark & Caboose) to make an appearance.

  • http://cnbc.com JTaylor21

    Jukai, I see that you’ve finally come out of that cave you were hiding in for good (say hi to Osama for me, oooops!). Just remember don’t go too hard though because we wouldn’t want that rusty pacemaker of yours overworking its self. Alright, herbet!

  • http://Slamonline.com nbk

    Maniac just don’t call people stupid for their opinion, and don’t assume the “basketball conscious” people you have been influenced by are more intelligent then those people were/are in our life. This is Slam, all of us are obvious a little basketball crazed, or the ballislife types, the majority of us have a good base in our knowledge and are willing to debate argue and even be wrong (some of us, me only sometimes lol). Other then that your gonna be goood to have around, can never get too many know it alls, as long as they accept they can be wrong.

  • otero

    @Maniac I wouldnt say roids but maybe hormonal growth tho.

  • Maniac

    @otero – I agree. Some people in Chicago got mad at me when I said Rose is not a real pg. He’s a sg in a pg’s body, but I guess that still makes him a pg. I mean Duncan is still a pf even though he can play center (and plays like one). You’re right. Some players are placed in positions under circumstances. I just think because he’s listed as a pg right now, we should consider him that until the Bulls find someone else who can play the 1. Whatever the matter, we agree he’s better than CP3, whom most certainly is the better traditional pg.

  • http://Slamonline.com Caboose

    Thanks nbk. I’m trying to break into the level of “regulars” on this site haha. And maniac, I’d like to see more of you on the forums, you just remind me a bit of JTaylor about a year and a half ago. Less personal insults, less anecdotal stuff, more concrete (read: not necessarily statistics) evidence. Can’t wait for tomorrow’s ranking.

  • Maniac

    @nbk – I didn’t mean to call anyone stupid. It was the others who started the name calling (I think lol). I respect opinions and the assumption wasn’t that I or anyone else is more intelligent than someone else, I just probably am a little overaggressive. Thanks for the warm welcome and sorry that we got off to a rocky start lol.

  • http://offthebackboard.wordpress.com/ Off The Backboard

    I love Kobe. He is one of my favourite players and has been since he was a youngin, but there is no way in hell that Bean is outperforming Howard next year. None. Zero. As such, this is a terrible, terrible ranking. Seriously. D-Ho was the legit #2 MVP candidate last year on most people’s list behind Rose. This is a horrendous choice and I’m wondering wtf the people at SLAM were thinking.

  • Maniac

    @Otero – He was definitely doing something lol.

  • Maniac

    @Caboose – Thanks. I didn’t mean to sound like an a**hole today, I just kind of got in my F*** THE FREE WORLD zone lol.

  • http://Slamonline.com nbk

    Haha your about as regular as anyone around here. Just comment a little later on in the day then the rest of us.

  • Maniac

    I think I left my mark on this article lol. My fingers are tired. I’m going to scram in a few….

  • http://Slamonline.com nbk

    No stress maniac I was basically you, but for like 3 months, it was exhausting and I was a dick. Worse then you actually, you’d have to ask Allen, Jukai or Eboy.

  • http://sdfklf.com Jukai

    NBK: I mean, you’re still a d*ck, you’re just a toned down dick. We all still love you though.

  • http://Slamonline.com nbk

    Haha fair enough Jukai.

  • Maniac

    Lmao @nbk & Jukai – Those guys put on a show in OKC tonight at a charity game. Went to overtime. 176-171… So what do you guys think of the lockout?

  • http://Slamonline.com Caboose

    Hence my name nbk. Being on the west coast puts me behind everybody else so I figure Ill just add my wrap up points after all you guys. Makes for fun discussion, right? And don’t worry Maniac, no one gets it perfect their first time.

  • http://cnbc.com JTaylor21

    Who’s we? I want absolutely nothing to do with a “toned down dick”.

  • quicklikeaf0x

    Complete joke that Rose is above Howard, COMPLETE joke. Howard who runs the floor better than most guards, Howard who kept THE BEST DEFENSE IN THE PAINT, Howard who is the LEADING scorer for the magic. Howard who had the SECOND best PER for the season. Howard who plays with a team full of god awful defenders maintaining anywhere from a top 10 to top 5 defense. Howard who has missed at most 5 GAMES THROUGH HIS ENTIRE CAREER. So what if he doesn’t get to battle top quality centers, the guy is literally everywhere he can be on the court defensively. The game is clearly a guards game with how fouls are today. Complete JOKE.

  • http://Slamonline.com nbk

    Haha I feel you caboose

  • Double J

    I think NBK’s dog chewed up his shoes and thus the Kobe hate.

  • http://hoopistani.blogspot.com hoopistani

    Fantastic write-up, one of my favourites so far of the top 50
    I’m cool with his standing – he ain’t better than rose, durant, wade, kobe etc. Although I’m still shocked that Dirk was left off out of the top 5. In my list: Dirk is 5, Kobe 6, Dwight 7. Stop overrated Kobe.

  • Maniac

    I’m out. Later.

  • http://Slamonline.com Caboose

    Haha yeah, where do you call home nbk? Do you have a team btw? Don’t think I’ve asked that…

  • http://Www.fiba.com Darksaber

    Jukster: naah, you guys will easily get this to 500 by tomorrow.
    Ps: i don’t think i’ve ever read anything as hilarious as ‘i want absolutely nothing to do w. a toned down d*ck’ since the creation of this site. JT might be a semi-troll, but damn if he isn’t an eloquent one. Fun..ny!

  • q the kid

    @ab40 Rose averaged 27points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds in the playoffs mostly on a bum ankle so he didn’t suck in the playoffs, he just ran into a bigger version of himself in Lebron and had no gas in the end. Plus he averaged 29.8 points, 9.8 assists, and 4.3 boards vs Teague’s 14.8 4.2 assists, and 3 boards so how is that defined as a standstill?

  • http://Slamonline.com nbk

    Phoenix my dood, and if I gotta claim someone it’ll be them.

  • http://Slamonline.com Caboose

    Ah ok, so you’re the same time zone as me until what, mid November? And fair enough, it’s much easier to just be a fan of the game though. Cause then you’re never disappointed right? (Unless it’s a Cavs/Raptors game. Sorry Mubwar)

  • http://www.slamonline.com Slick Ric

    @q the kid, I completely agree, just because he performed better than your expectations dont mean he was going toe to toe with D.Rose, these dudes tripping.

  • http://Slamonline.com nbk

    Haha I just don’t like to attach myself to something that I can hate. Like I despise Robert Sarver and how he ran the squad into the ground, I’m not a fan of anything he owns. So I feel pride, clearly lol, just would rather watch good basketball and talk about good basketball rather then homer out about the Suns. Plus I loathe bias’ they screw with objectivity

  • http://slamonline.com The Philosopher

    LONG… LIVE… THE KING.

  • http://twitter.com/#!/MichaelJR_NZ Michael NZ

    So good that he couldn’t lead his team past a flawed Atlanta Hawks squad in the first round.

  • L

    Dwight is where he belongs at 6. He is the best center in the league because it is a weak generation of centers comparing to the 90′s. In my book he is at Alonzo Mourning level. He is no Shaq, Ewing, DRob or Dream. He is a great defender with a limited offensive repertoire. The 5 best players are more complete on both ends of the floor. L

  • http://www.slamonline.com Max

    Maniac was going HAM lol

  • http://www.bulls.com Enigmatic

    Man, I’m on Alaska time. Later than Caboose and nbk.
    And it still trips me out whenever someone calls me a “regular” around here.
    It seems like just a few months ago I was the new guy like Maniac is now, just trying to get a word in here or there every once in a while and earn peeps’ respect.
    But I’ve “met” some of the coolest peeps on here.
    Love chopping’ it up with y’all here and on Twitter.

  • http://www.twitter.com/hurstysyd Hursty

    God, reading most of this hurt my brain.
    1) Dwight’s impact on his team over an extended period of time is greater than everyone else left to be listed, with the exception of Durant. Wade & LeBron have themselves+Bosh. Kobe has Pau, Artest, Bynum. Durant has Westbrook. Rose has Deng, Noah and Boozer.
    2) The write-up was awful.
    3) Longest comment section I can remember being a part of was in Holly’s final ‘The Post Up’ which got over 1K comments.
    4) I agree on the ‘my way or the highway’ regarding being younger and being completely stubborn with regards to your opinion regardless of the information placed against you.

  • http://www.slamonline.com Slick Ric

    ^ shut up dude, Durant does not have a bigger impact than those guys. Last season( In the beginning) people were asking if he was even the best player on the team.

  • http://SLAMonline.com Bryan Crawford

    Damn. SMH…

  • RobbieJay

    why cant we be friends…why cant we be friends…everybody now

  • Feez22

    I understood Chris Paul at 8. This ranking though is ridiculous. Dwight should be top 3 IMO. Since his offensive game isn’t aesthetically pleasing like the wings in the rest of the top 5 or because his offensive game isn’t as dominant as shaq’s he isn’t top 5? Dwight was a beast last season. On both ends… Especially to end the season. Ya they lost to the hawks but for crying out loud he plays with a washed up hedo and washed up arenas. They are useless now. Dwight is the 2nd best 2 way player in the game ( I still think lebron is the #1 2 way player ATM) but since defense will not be discussed here… The magic were top 5 in defense last year despite having NO ELITE DEFENDER OTHER THAN DWIGHT. the wing defense the magic played last yr was horrid yet they still were top 5. Why? Dwight.

  • http://www.slamonline.com Eboy

    There’s a reason I haven’t commented on any of the Top 50 posts this year. This is turrible.

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