Key Highlights
- Dwight Howard expressed that it bothered him when Blake Griffin’s popularity surged in 2011.
- Hall-of-Fame dunk contest participant Dwight Howard offered to help Blake Griffin prepare for the Dunk Contest despite his own success.
- Blake Griffin admitted he was never really interested in participating in the Dunk Contest, focusing more on in-game dunks.
The Rise of Blake Griffin: A Threat to Dwight Howard’s Dominance?
In 2011, when the NBA world was still reeling from the emergence of Blake Griffin, another young and dynamic center was taking notice. When asked if it bothered him how quickly Griffin became a household name in the league, Dwight Howard candidly admitted that it did.
“It does,” Dwight told ESPN, admitting to his initial feelings of discomfort when seeing Griffin’s meteoric rise. However, the former Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers star emphasized his professionalism, stating, “But, hey, he’s hot right now.
And when you play in L.A., on the biggest stage in the world, people are going to see you more. So I’m happy for him.”
The Dominance of Dwight Howard
Howard was a force to be reckoned with from the moment he stepped onto the court. His dominance and athleticism were immediately evident, earning him not only three consecutive NBA Slam Dunk Contest wins (2008-2010), but also the reputation as one of the most feared dunkers in the league.
“The way people want to see the dunk contest now, you have to be super creative,” Howard said. “But if he wants some help with dunkin’, I’m here. I’m the man.”
Blake Griffin’s Unlikely Participation
In 2011, Blake Griffin participated in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest despite not being particularly interested in it. Griffin’s participation was a surprise to many, as he was more known for his in-game dunks than his creative attempts.
“I always felt like I was just an in-game dunker,” Griffin admitted later on. “So, uh, for me, it was kind of more about the in-game dunks.”
Shared Athleticism and Professionalism
Despite their competition, Dwight Howard and Blake Griffin have a mutual respect that transcends the court. Howard offered to help Griffin prepare if he decided to participate, showcasing his willingness to support his fellow athletes.
“The way people want to see the dunk contest now, you have to be super creative,” Howard said. “But if he wants some help with dunkin’, I’m here. I’m the man.”
Legacy of Two Greats
Today, both Dwight Howard and Blake Griffin are remembered for their athleticism and electrifying performances. While Howard’s dominance was on display through his rim protection and finishing ability, Griffin’s highlight reels include some of the most memorable dunks in NBA history.
“In retrospect, even though Howard and Griffin were more like counterparts,” a basketball analyst noted, “they belong to the same category in the NBA lore. Today, they are both remembered for being two of the most athletic and electrifying players of their generation.”