Given how seamlessly Dwight Howard transitioned from high school basketball to the NBA, one might assume that he studied some of the league's most dominant centers to solidify his position. However, that was not the case.
According to the three-time DPOY, he had aspirations of becoming a point guard and facilitator like Magic Johnson . Moreover, it was only once D12 stepped foot in the NBA that this dream of his was brought to an end.
Howard on wanting to be Magic 2.0
Standing at 6'9", the three-time MVP was undoubtedly taller than most point guards even in his era. Furthermore, Magic's iconic no-look dimes and pinpoint accurate playmaking were key to the 'Showtime' Lakers success throughout the 1980s. Naturally, all young players who were tall enough to play as forwards or centers instilled the belief that they could emulate Johnson's playing style and thrive as facilitators.
While playing high school basketball for Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, Dwight operated primarily in a guard role, even though he was tall enough to be listed as a power forward. His senior year stats - 25.0 points, 18.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 8.1 blocks per game - highlighted his versatility. As he won honors like the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award and Gatorade National Player of the Year, Howard's belief that he could succeed as a big point guard' in the NBA was genuine.
During an episode of his podcast, the eight-time All-Star revealed how he had envisioned himself as 'Magic Johnson 2.0'. However, once he entered the league, Dwight was instructed to use his 6'10" frame in a more traditional center role.
"When I had this VHS tape, I would just watch him show me drills, and then I would go outside and work on the drills," Howard said . "And I was like, man, I want to be a 6'9" point guard like Magic Johnson. He was like my model. That's all I did - I wanted to be a point guard. I actually played point guard, up until the NBA. It's pretty crazy."
Related: Julius Erving believes no player is similar to him in the modern NBA: “I was a small forward, but I really played like a power forward”
Howard would have struggled to find success as Magic 2.0
While it is easy to envision modern-day centers like Nikola Jokic as the new-age version of Magic, as he can log double-doubles and prioritize making plays for his teammates as the team's primary ball handler, Dwight's career paints a different picture. The Georgia native never averaged more than 1.9 assists per game in a single campaign throughout his 18-year-long NBA career, highlighting his strength in converting buckets at the rim rather than facilitating open looks for his teammates.
So, while he may believe that Dwight was never allowed to explore his potential as a point guard in the NBA, it does seem that had it not been for playing as a traditional center, 'Superman' may have never registered a potential Hall of Fame resume by his name.
Related: How Magic Johnson shattered Dwight Howard's NBA dreams: "He said I was too skinny"
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