When it comes to debating the formability of the NBA's most beloved eras, sports pundits often sight the difference in physicality because of the hand-checking rules, the excess of dominant big men, pace, and the dramatic impact of long-distance shooting. While players like Steph Curry and Draymond Green are credited for phasing out the necessity of a back-to-the-basket center, players like Serge Ibaka and Joel Emiid have proven that the skillfulness of the traditional big man can be transferrable to today's finesse style of play beyond the three-point line. Case in point, Dwight Howard was once known throughout the NBA as a prototypical defensive anchor and elite rebounder with a severe shooting deficiency. The three-time defensive player of the year shot .574 from the free-throw line during his celebrated 17-year NBA career while draining just 22 three-point shots from downtown. Nevertheless, the 2020 NBA Champion is enjoying a renaissance in the T1 basketball league in Taiwan. He attempted 10 three's in his first game with the Taoyuan Leopards en route to a monstrous performance where he logged 38 points, 25 rebounds and 9 assists in the team's thrilling overtime win over New Taipei CTBC DEA (120-115). With the newly added ability to shoot long-range in his repertoire, the 37-year-old tested his skillset during the T1 League's All-Star Game festivities, and he more than held his own.
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Source: SI
