Sports Illustrated put me on the cover of its NBA playoff preview edition this week, but they wondered in the article if I could ever be serious enough to lead the Magic to a NBA title.
Trust me, that magazine will be going up on my mirror at home. But it will be there to serve as motivation for me in the playoffs. I want to show people that I can dominate AND have fun at the same time.
I remember three years back someone locally wrote that they hoped that I never lost my smile that I flash from time to time while I’m playing. But now, a few years later, my smiling and having fun on the court is seen as negatives? C’mon man, I just don’t get that.
People who watch the games sometimes take my kindness for weakness, but I don’t think the guys on the floor playing against me feel the same way. I can smile and still get the job done.
I’ve been smiling my whole life and I’m not going to stop. Basketball brings me joy and I’m having fun blocking shots and dunking, so I am going to smile. It’s not going to stop me from being who I am. I’m not going to change it for anybody.
My coach understands that my personality is to smile and have fun. I’m going to smile, but I’m going to get the job done too.
I just can’t play angry. I’ve tried it, but it only works for a couple of minutes. I have to smile, that’s just me. My dad use to try to stop me from smiling when I was growing up, but then he realized that basketball is my sanctuary. I’m going to smile and have fun, but at the same time I’m still going to dunk on you.
Tags: Dwight Howard Blog, Magazine Cover Stories, Sports Illustrated
Atta boy Dwight. Don’t let the haters get to you. Real D12 fans know that under the smile lies a beast. I say keep smiling bro, especially after you reject LBJ or Paul Pierce again.
Stay the way you are Dwight! You are a great person and one of the nicest people in the NBA. You are a great player and Magic fans believe in you!! We have a great chance of making it to the finals especially now that KG is out for the playoffs.
Dwight keep smiling!!!! Don’t change who you are! You are an MVP player…. And I am a HUGH Magic Fan and I love to see you smile… Keep playing the way you are because you and the team got us here to the playoffs and will continue till the finals…
DON’T EVER LOSE YOUR SMILE!!!!! Your personality is one of the very many reasons why people love you. Keep the Lord first in all that you do, and the sky will be the limit. Remember that you don’t have to go through your haters to make it into Heaven, so brush the dirt off your shoulders and keep on steppin’ :~)
Sounds like haters to me!! Once you guys win the championship they’re gonna flip it again and write articles praising how cool you are under pressure
Keep smiling Dwight!! Fans love your smile, and we all know you’re a beast on the court!
After reading your blog you already know not to lose that smile. I love seeing people smile, to me they just look better. The fact that you can play in the NBA, and still keep your smile after five years is a testament to how truly special and unique you are as a person. Smile on Mighty Dwighty I’m smiling with you. Peace and Love.
DON’T stop smiling. I love your smile very very very very very much.And i don’t think that smiling means weakness, but it means you enjoy the game ! I love simles because smiles make the world became warmer and lighter,especiallly yours !If everyone can show their smiles always ,I think the world will be more beautiful and harmony!Dwight, you are really friendly and adorable , please to keep this pesonality .
Be true to yourself and follow your heart ! Take care
Dwight, as long as we’re not losing while you’re smiling I’m all for the smiles. People don’t understand why you’re a happy person and they may never understand. It’s not your responsibility to answer to them. As long as we’re winning, they can say all they want but the results speak for themselves. They just aren’t used to an athlete who doesn’t take himself too seriously. I’ll be watching you on the playoff opener. 1.
I have to say Dwight, I WAS FURIOUS when I read the column in the sentinel this morning regarding your happiness. I mean c’mon, should you not be you? Sure, Dwight, run out and tat up your entire body, get ejected a few more times in a season, show up late to practices, sass the coaches, and don’t do any community service. Then and only then will you be fit to lead this team to a championship! LOL. Man, I tell you, the media, they sure are shady. I say show all those pearly whites God gave you, and as a matter of fact show them more. Congrats on another great season, I’ll be there way up in the O-zone waving my superman cape, screamin my head off like I have all season long. Just tell everyone to stop hatin!
Dr.Magic
Intimidation could be the edge that would put this franchise over the top. You know how some players can get into your head? Why does Detroit have your number? Its all talk and mind games. Don’t underestimate these mind games. Muhammad Ali was the greatest because he said it and opponents acted accordingly. I think nobody wants you to stop loving basketball or even to stop showing that you love basketball. But make a guy feel embarrassed for playing on the same court as you. You have already backed this up so let him know you believe it.
Don’t change for anybody man. I’m so stoked for the playoffs this year. I’m ready for you and the Magic to bring home a big shiny trophy this June! GO MAGIC!!!
Whats up D, we all trust you in knowing that you know when its time to be serious and step up your game. Now is the time, forget about Garnett and forget about preictions. This is Season 2 now. The Cavs are 0-0 at home and the Celts are no longer the champs. Its time for us to shock the world. Everyone might want to see LBJ fall to Kobe, but we want to see D12 and Co. hoist the throphy and raise the banner. So come on D, bring it on home….
Let’s go Dwight and Magic!
Don’t ever lose your smile and have fun destroying other teams!!
You got my full support here from Hong Kong
Hey Dwight. Before talking about the playoffs and bringing the trophy home, theres a little message i want to give to you. First my name is J.C. i was born in orl. and raised and now i live in P.R. I’ve always been a fan since i saw you on espn night before the 2004 draft, where there was lots of hype on emeka okafor and not you. On draft night i was praying to GOD and begging for the magic to take you with the first pick, not because your infinite talent but because of your person, your humbleness and because you where a fellow christian. Thank the lord for my prayer, cuz never in magic history have i ever been this excited, thanks to you and GOD of course. Dwight your a great player and by far my favorite, your just a jump shot away from being a complete player and a hall of famer, but dont change who you are, and who you believe in, for fame, glory and a title. Always keep GOD in first place and he’ll grant your desires. And i know you probably know these verses but i want you to keep them in your heart.
Philippians 4:13-I can do anything in him who strenghtens me.
Joseph 1:9-take heart and be strong, have no fear and do not be troubled, for the Lord your GOD is with you wherever you go.(playoffs)
Now remember Dwight, focus your mind and play with energy. Show them who the beast is in the playoffs. Bring that title home Dwight. You and your family are always in my prayers. J.C.
Fellow christian
Youth leader
Man don’t let them fool you. Come on Magic Johnson was smiling while he was punking people back in the 80’s just do your thing man, and I like where Orlando’s going now man. I appreciate where it was going ever since your draft day man. I’m an Orlando fan since the Penny Hardaway and Shaq days and always be. Plus you rejuvenated me when I ball al the way from the Philippines and keep it up!!
It seems it annoys people that you are 23 years old, a model citizen and have the audacity to be happy that you make millions of dollars playing a simple game. From one OG to a G. I will reinforce what people have said before me. Keep Smiling Homie!!!. When you win the Finals. At the postgame interview do not say anything Just Smile.
Oh and as for all of the distractions and things that seem important to your life, you must remember you only have 1 fan that you ever need to ALWAYS DELIVER FOR NO MATTER WHAT, And that is your Son Braylon. Make him Proud Of not Dwight Superman, But Dwight, His Father…
Be easy Homie
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t or shouldn’t enjoy yourself and your blessings… the article made it clear that you intend to stay true to yourself and I think that is the best you can do.
So much of who you are is your fun-loving smile! You got to the NBA with that smile, you became defensive player of the year with that smile, and you will do so much more with that smile. It shows that you are out on the court doing something you truly love, which is inspiring to all. Just because you are “working” doesn’t mean you should stop having fun or smiling! Keep it up!
I just read that article today. On behalf of many basketball fans who can appreciate your game and most importantly your values, THANK YOU for BEING YOU. In today’s game, I guess you have to be from Krypton to represent yourself and your family the way you do. You are the true superman who doesn’t need to belittle others, spew profanity, and deliver one liners to the press for attention. While some may need to tattoo the man of steel on his arm to solicit comparisons to an out of this world being, we mere earthlings need only to watch how you play and carry yourself to recognize the true man of steel in the NBA. Thank you Dwight for simply being you. It is a joy to watch you step on the court every time you lace’m up. Don’t let the jealously of an old man who has already had his time and is trying to cling to it, rob you of the joy you possess. But that you already knew [...your joy no man taketh from you, John 16:22]
Dwight Howard… I found this blog about you online (http://bringdwighthowardhome.blogspot.com/), and I think you probably want to take a look at this… There are rumors of you going to the Atlanta Hawks… Is it true?
If so, I have to say (though I am a Magic fan, I was a Hawks fan first before the Magic arrived), I think the move would be the greatest thing since coffee collars. Maybe not for the Magic, but definitley for the Hawks and for your career… I am a Dwight Howard fan before I’m a Magic fan, so I would support you with any team. Wouldn’t be hard to support you going from my team to my other (first) team… What an easy compromise…
I didn’t realize you were from Atlanta. I am from there to, so I’d understand. Live well, and be blessed…
And look up: Lyve Martyr and Manifestation of Praise. Christian rappers. They are amazing. I think you’d appreciate them…
[...] Dwight Howard – I thought I was in lust with Superman after seeing those arms, but after reading his blog, and finding out that he loves the Big Man up yonder, I’m really smitten. The kid has a sense of humor, he’s willing to go head to head with Shaq in a dance battle, and he’s even humble enough to let little ol’ Nate Robinson jump over him in the slam dunk contest this year. Shaq might have out pop and locked him and Nate certainly out dunked him but that didn’t even wipe that glorious smile off his face. Turns out nothing will: I just can’t play angry. I’ve tried it, but it only works for a couple of minutes. I have to smile, that’s just me. My dad use to try to stop me from smiling when I was growing up, but then he realized that basketball is my sanctuary. I’m going to smile and have fun, but at the same time I’m still going to dunk on you. [Don't mistake happiness for weakness] [...]
Dwight Howard – I am a 43 year old fan …. I seen you play for the first time in the playoff against Cleveland, you was great!! It was something about you that connected with me and it was the fact that you and my son favor a lot and that you have a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Chirst. This message is really for your Mother and Father , they have done a wonderful job in raiseing you, you are a good kid. I hope one day my son and I will have the pleasure of meeting you and your family. Now, Dwight I and as serious as a heart attack!!! My son and I want to meet you all. The number 12 is a magic number, I wore that same number in high school , and they also called me smiley …. So keep smiling it keeps you humble. I’m sorry about you guys lost, but you all will be back next year , you will be stronger and you will be better …. my hat gose off to you and your team I was cheering from the start for you all till the final seconds , I have to let you know I cried…. I felt you pain I know you wanted it soo bad and I wanted it for you…. but through it all still have fun and take care of business all at the same time…. Good luck next year, and my God continue to bless you and your family … love you like a son, I’ll write again.