Dwight Howard chatted live with fans in China on 5 Jan on the NBA’s official Weibo page, taling about his hopes to play in the NBA All-Star Game, what the Rockets have to do to catch fire in the second half and why he plays hoops.
What’s different about this team’s chemistry this year?
We have to continue to build it. We have some new pieces, so when you have new teammates you have to build chemistry. It’s early but I’m pretty sure by the end of it the chemistry will be there and we’ll win more games.
Yao’s a candidate for the Hall of Fame. What do you want to say to him?
Yao has been so big for the game of basketball, especially in China. He’s given international players the belief that anybody can make it to the NBA with what he brought to the game. He was amazing. A 7-5 center who can shoot. A big post presence. We were sad when he had to retire early, and hopefully he’ll make it there.
How do you improve your offensive skills, especially your mid-range game as a center?
You just gotta work every day. That’s how you get better. More reps. There’ll be days where you miss a lot of shots, and days where the shots go in. Just trust what you work for. We spend countless hours in the gym perfecting our craft. We won’t always be perfect but if we practice we’ll be close to it.
What do you do to dominate the rim?
Block shots! Rebound. Put fear into your opponents’ hearts when you’re playing against them. Basically have fun. Enjoy the game. No special tactics. Just go out there and think about dominating your opponent.
Keep smiling, my Superman! No matter what the noise is.
Thank you! I’ll never stop smiling, never stop being who I am. There’ll always be naysayers, people who don’t like it, but for the people who care, just keep smiling. That’ll help me play better and better.
What do you do when you’re not playing basketball?
I’m usually playing my video game, Call of Duty. Playing with my snakes…going to the movies. Relaxing with my kids. Then I travel. I spend a lot of time going to China, being in Asia. I love being on an airplane.
Do you want your kids to play basketball?
I’d love if they did, and if they chose to play basketball they could be any position they want. I played point guard all the way up to center so I want them to experience all of them and fall in love with the one that’s best for them.
Why do you play basketball? For love? For duty, life?
Well there’s plenty of reasons. The first one is basketball brings me joy. Being on the floor’s the best thing ever. A sanctuary. The other reason I play is I enjoy entertaining people. They come to games to relax. Have fun for the fans. #ThisIsWhyWePlay
Who do you play with in NBA 2k16?
When I play my video games I just play Call of Duty. I haven’t played 2k in probably 3 years. I just play COD so much I forget about every other game.
How many snakes do you have? Which one is your favorite?
I have 9 snakes. And my favorite is my first snake. His name is George, he’s a purple reticulated python. I had him since he was a baby, and now he’s 8 feet and a year old. I call him Curious George because when I first got him he found a way to break out and lay on my chest. He wanted to be next to me. He must’ve been scared.
You guys are off to a slower start than last year. What needs to be improved?
I just think that we’re in a different position than we were last year. We were under the radar last year for a lot of teams, and this year teams are keying in on stopping us. We just have to play better team basketball. You look at a team like the Spurs – they’ve been together so long, their offense is always in sync. We want to be like that.
Why are you so good at what you do!!!
God has given me a tremendous amount of talent. But also it’s hard work, I’ve been playing basketball since I was 3, and I spend a lot of time in the gym. That’s the only way you get better. Some nights and days it doesn’t show, and in order to make it to the top level it’s all about hard work.
Who in your views is the best player in the league currently?
Hoo! The guy playing the best basketball in the NBA right now is Steph Curry.
