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NBA Playoffs: Which superstar has the most to win and lose?

By Luke Dahlgren

May 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cavaliers Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning basket in the second half of game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. The Cavaliers won 86-84. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cavaliers Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning basket in the second half of game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. The Cavaliers won 86-84. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) is restrained by referee Danny Crawford (48) in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) is restrained by referee Danny Crawford (48) in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard takes a lot of free throws. This is good for the Los Angeles Clippers, because Dwight Howard does not make a lot of free throws. He has become the Rockets’ second option with James Harden in the lineup.

How much does Dwight Howard have to win with a Finals victory?

A Rockets championship would undoubtedly involve a great deal of James Harden, as the team relies on his steady offensive production to center what would otherwise be a haphazard display on that side of the possession. However, the team is not likely to win any titles without the interior presence of Dwight Howard protecting the rim and giving the Rockets a reliable presence as a post player.

For Howard, the slate is clean, and he has a great deal to win if he performs well. If he can return to his form from five to six years ago and physically dominate the opposition down low, then he can go from being almost an afterthought on a great team to returning as the premier center in the NBA. He goes from hated for his faults to at least hated for his strengths. If the Rockets win despite Howard’s invisibility, then he gains nothing.

How much does Dwight Howard have to lose with an early exit?

Unlike James Harden, Howard enters these playoffs with little to no expectations for how he will do. Who will the targets for blame be if the Clippers end up finishing off the Rockets in six? Harden will be a focus, and so will head coach Kevin McHale (not to mention evil mastermind Daryl Morey). The weak Rocket bench will also be considered as a piece of the weak series for the Rockets and a squandered opportunity.

Will anyone’s opinion of Dwight Howard change with a loss to the Clippers? He is already seen as somewhat of a clown, and his consistency has always been suspect since leaving the Magic. It may become harder for him to recuperate his image, but an early exit won’t hurt him further.

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