National Basketball Association

Dwight Howard Gives the Hawks a Vibe They've Never Had

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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It was evident that Dwight Howard would bring defense and rebounding to the Hawks, but the big man showed intangibles that this team hasn’t had.

The Atlanta Hawks 2016-2017 season is finally underway. Since we are no longer inclined to run in circles analyzing the same tired questions, I’ve returned to lean on the Hawks jukebox once again. If last nights 114-99 victory over the Washington Wizards in the home opener was any indication, Atlanta will have no problem navigating the regular season towards a 10th consecutive playoff berth. There were a few surprising performances during the first game, but the Hawks biggest off season acquisition was not one of them.

Dwight Howard produced the type of numbers and played basically exactly how I expected. He is a terror as a rebounder, is a stout interior defender, and will slam dunk the basketball just about as much as anybody.

He sets great picks anytime he is called upon to do so and all it takes to keep him happy on the offensive end is to occasionally feed him an entry pass into the post. He is a better option in every way. shape or form as a professional basketball player at the center position than Al Horford [besides three-pointers]. These are all statements and observations that many fans were already aware of.

Oct 20, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) gets ready to check into the game against the Chicago Bulls at CenturyLink Center Omaha. Atlanta defeated Chicago 97-81. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

What was evident during his opening act against Washington that I was not anticipating though, was the feeling of the Hawks team on the court. There was a physicality and intensity factor that was present during his 30 minutes of action for the home team that I have not noticed in a long time.

Anytime Atlanta would square off against a rival with even the slightest amount of star power within their line-up before there was always the sense of little brother trying to gain a victory versus the more relevant, more capable sibling in games. The Hawks typically haven’t had much trouble with the Wizards in recent memory, but John Wall could really claim bragging rights as the best player on the court during those contests. As I immersed myself in the action, eventually I realized something. That pesky underdog feeling was no longer there.

Dwight Howard may not be viewed as a superstar in this league by most people anymore, but don’t tell him that. He carries himself like he has control over his teams opponent and can determine the outcome on his own.

It may have felt that way only because of his homecoming and the fact that he was familiar with the city of Atlanta, I don’t know. It is a welcome vibe that I hope continues for the good guys though and takes the team to greater heights.