Washington Wizards: 5 players under pressure in 2018-19

2. Dwight Howard

Ever since he left the Orlando Magic, Howard has been under pressure. He could be the most scrutinized center this past decade. His hall-of-fame career is lacking one thing, a championship.

It will be hard in this era to dethrone the Golden State Warriors, but it’s time for Howard to re-focus his efforts to obtain a ring. The 32 year-old center needs to be the force he once was.

He took a lesser talented Magic team to the finals on his own. Washington’s roster is far more superior. His problem is that he just doesn’t seem like he cares. People assume that Howard in just in it to get payed and he hasn’t proven them otherwise. Everywhere he’s gone has ended in disaster.

It’s time to recoup his reputation and be the dominant center that everyone once thought could be better than Shaquille O’Neal. With more talent around him than he’s ever had, Howard needs to cease this opportunity. This could be the turning point in his career as he looks for another payday himself.

If Wall sees the potential and opportunity at hand with Howard, then so should we. With a legit center it will be hard to guard the Wizards on all cylinders. It’s not starting off to strong as Howard has been dealing with back and butt injuries, but hopefully those are short-term.

It’s trending that he won’t start the season, but I’d rather the Wizards take their time and make sure the big man is full healthy upon his return. Howard has and will always be under the microscope, but this year he will demonstrate why he’s been given the nickname Superman.