It's crazy to think about the fact that in 2009 Dwight Howard was one of the most popular players in the NBA. Since then, he has developed a reputation for being a guy who wants badly to be liked. A guy who handled his exit from Orlando so terribly that it led to one of the most awkward media appearances ever:
Then Dwight went to Los Angeles, where he was expected to be the cornerstone of a super-team. Only, instead, he clashed with Kobe Bryant (that one's probably not on him) and the team fell apart while Dwight seemed unengaged. The last couple years have featured Dwight in Houston being heavily criticized for seeming disinterested and pouty, and (somewhat unfairly, due to a certain bearded star's ball dominance) for turning in his lowest point totals since his rookie year.
Well, last night Dwight Howard went on Inside the NBA and something crazy happened. Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith had what felt like an intervention with Dwight. It was intense, awkward, and not the kind of interview we're used to seeing on TV. They criticized him (kindly) to his face and offered serious advice for how he can improve both his game and the off-court perception. In many ways, it felt like watching a private coach's meeting with a player, which is especially interesting seeing as Kenny Smith is a candidate to be the next coach in Houston (where Dwight might return next year, depending on contract stuff). The whole interview is incredible. And Dwight handles it all like a champ, accepting their criticism and advice and actually asking for more.
There's no way to watch this without coming away liking Dwight more. Even if it's just a bit.