Magic preview: Howard's new edge will mean more success

Minutes after the United States wrapped up a dominant performance at the FIBA Americas Championships, blasting Argentina for the gold medal, Dwight Howard, fresh off a 20-point night in which he went 7-for-7, was thinking about the next few days.

"Hitting RDV?" I asked, referring to Orlando's practice facility.

Dwight Howard is 21, but is through acting his age. (AP)

"No way," Howard responded. "I'm going to head home for a few days, lay low, get some rest. Been a busy summer."

Orlando's franchise center, the No. 1 pick in the 2004 draft, didn't have a lot of down time the last six months. When the season tips off, you'll see he's used it constructively. Howard has added a jump shot, improved defensively, and perhaps more important than anything else, picked up more of an edge.

Going at it with Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler at USA Basketball tryouts and practices has helped him refine his game, and perhaps his attitude. He's still one of the nicer people in the league off the court, a devout Christian with exemplary manners and an easy smile, but on the floor, he's a killer. Maybe dunking all over Mexicans and swatting shots on to the Las Vegas strip did wonders for his psyche, or maybe it's as simple as a 22-year-old coming into his own. One thing's for sure: It will be impossible not to notice the difference.

From talking about breaking rims in China on the NBA's exhibition tour to saying he's going to call for the ball a lot more this season, Howard is through acting his age. You'll still be able to count on him to drop some impromptu impressions or break out in dance, but as far as being aggressive goes, he's not a kid anymore.

During Howard's third season in the league, he had a tendency to disappear more than a person of his physical stature and ability ever should, which in fairness, was a product of multiple factors.

His offensive game wasn't well-rounded enough. That's been improved, although there's still plenty of room for growth.

There was criticism that Brian Hill didn't get enough out of him offensively, but new coach Stan Van Gundy should have more success, especially since he'll have the benefit of Rashard Lewis around to help keep defenses from collapsing on him in the post.

Orlando spent over $200 million to secure the services of both well into the next decade, so its fortunes are tied into how potent a combination the two can evolve into. Lewis hasn't been able to get on track because of an ankle issue that has the Magic a little leery given its history of problems with Grant Hill. But as far as Howard is concerned, it has an indestructible cornerstone, a chiseled beast who hasn't missed a game since coming into the league.

A new coach, new system and the arrival of Lewis suggests the Magic might have an adjustment period to overcome before truly getting going, but there's no doubt they're coming up in the world. The franchise that gave away Shaquille O'Neal got a second chance at building around the next baddest man on the planet. Now that he's starting to act like it, success is inevitable.

2007-08 NBA Team Previews
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