Forced to speed up, Dwight Howard stumbled.

To make amends, Dwight Howard promised to deliver on the court in 4 1/2 months when the Cleveland Cavaliers play the Orlando Magic in two preseason games in Shanghai and the former Portuguese territory of Macau . A third game will feature the Magic against China 's national team in Macau .

Dwight Howard was asked whether he plans any secret dunks for the China series.

"I might have one up my sleeve," he said. "I can't tell you guys now. But I might have a special dunk for the fans in China ."

Dwight Howard is in China to promote the games, which are expected to attract sellout crowds in a country that rivals the Untied States for basketball knowledge and interest.

Dwight Howard said all the right things - particularly when it came to Houston Rockets center Yao Ming.

Asked to name his top five NBA players, he named Yao Ming twice.

And who was his favorite tennis player?

"Yao Ming," Dwight Howard replied again, pausing for a few seconds for effect, and then substituting Roger Federer's name.

"I love Yao Ming," he said. "I love playing against him. We're probably going to be rivals until we retire from the NBA."

Dwight Howard also welcomed Billy Donovan, who was appointed the Magic's new coach last week after leading Florida to two straight NCAA titles.

"I have not had a chance to meet him yet as the new coach," Dwight Howard said. "In high school he was recruiting me to go to the University of Florida . So I've had the opportunity of sit down and meet with him. It's just weird now he's going to be my NBA coach."

Dwight Howard also talked up 7-foot (2.13-meter) Chinese forward Yi Jianlian, who's expected to go in the first round of this month's NBA draft. Dwight Howard was the first choice overall three years ago, and the two faced each other last year in the World Basketball Championship in Japan .

It's likely to happen again for real in next year's Olympics in Beijing .

"I think he's going to be one of the best rookies to come out this year in the draft," Dwight Howard said.

"He's pretty physical, he can shoot, and he's quick for a 7-footer. But coming to America for somebody from China or any other country, his biggest trouble will be off the court - as far as learning the language and our culture."

Particularly the language.

NBA Future:
DeMarcus Cousins
DeMarcus Cousins is a big PF who averaged 26 pts, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, 70% FG and 80% FT per game as a freshman in high school last year. DeMarcus Cousins has developing post moves, is an excellent rebounder, and a solid athlete. DeMarcus Cousins' ability to overpower players gives him a very high ceiling. DeMarcus Cousins has a 7'3" wingspan and 9'0" standing reach. DeMarcus Cousins is very raw. DeMarcus Cousins needs to work on his footwork and decision making mostly. DeMarcus Cousins offense is coming along fine, but he needs to become more of a leader on defense. DeMarcus Cousins consistency is also a problem against top competition.

NBA Future:
Jrue Holiday
Check out Jrue Holiday, the 6-3 sophomore shooting guard from North Hollywood (Calif.) Campbell Hall, one of the elite guards in the west, regardless of class...

Jrue Holiday, the 6-3 sophomore shooting guard from North Hollywood (Calif.) Campbell Hall, is seen here in action from a CIF playoff game last week.

Jrue Holiday is #21 in white, not to be confused with his older brother, 6-6 junior Justin Holiday, who is #22.

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  CalvinHaynesOnline.com:
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