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Report: Dwight Howard Likely Out Awhile; What’s Next?

By Brian K. Patterson

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Now it has been confirmed.

Yes, Dwight Howard, the Houston Rockets star center is going to be out awhile tending to that right knee.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported that Howard could miss extended time as a result:

After receiving an MRI Wednesday, it revealed additional inflammation in that said knee definitely ruling this situation as a setback.

I knew something was wrong because he hadn’t been quite right all season even after he returned from missing 14 games earlier this season.

He had a few games far and in-between but I had that feeling within myself that he could’ve done better than what he was doing.

But you know what?

I’m all for Howard taking the time he needs to heal.

This team has been able carry on without him so it’s not too much of big deal if he is out.

It’s all about the next man up.

Let’s talk scenarios…

Now that Terrence Jones has made his return back to the hardwood, the Rockets do have a semblance of an inside presence.

Mar 7, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Terrence Jones (6) and center Dwight Howard (12) during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports

He had 10 points, five rebounds and two blocks in 20 minutes of action against the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday.

The starting lineup should eventually consist of Patrick Beverley, James Harden, Trevor Ariza, Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas.

I know it may be a couple of games where Kevin McHale may feel more comfortable starting Jones but it won’t be that long.

He looks like the TJones of old and can certainly contribute to a team that certainly needs that inside presence to thrive in the West.

Josh Smith and Joey Dorsey will be the primary reserves to help out in the paint and McHale will be tactical, play the match-ups and decide who starts deep in the front court.

Dorsey greatest asset is that he can box out/rebound and J-Smoove is just able to play on both ends of the basketball court.  As long as he doesn’t fall in love with shooting and picking his spots correctly, he will be a godsend down low.

He had 18 points, six rebounds and three blocks against the Mavs.

But here’s the deal.

D12 continuing to play through the pain was not only hurting himself but the team as well.

Jan 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) heads to the locker room with trainers after suffering in the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Just think if he would’ve hobbled his way into the playoffs and then had to shut it down?

It would be catastrophic for us Rockets’ fans as we don’t have one of the two cornerstones for this franchise!

We’d be all upset because he didn’t take care of himself early-in to prevent himself from exacerbating the injury.

We need Dwight to have the best possible chance of getting out the first round and beyond.

It’s quite obvious that he didn’t like the diagnosis that Dr. Walter Lowe, the team physician gave so he’s going to seek another.

Hopefully, a solution to his dilemma is provided so that he can return to the court as soon as possible, preferably just before the start of the playoffs in a couple of months.

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But rest assured, he needs to rest and come back when he’s ready.

It’s definitely an objective that lends my full support.

Now we must watch, wait and hope for the best in terms of him returning to be the player that all of us fans have come to love.

Go Rockets.

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