HoopWatch

No one ever expected that Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Howard will become an NBA All-Star. Hell, no one ever expected that he’ll be able to play in the NBA at all. Not even his parents.

Howard grew up with an ailment. He had deformed legs. He had to undergo surgery just to have his legs fixed. He wasn’t able to run and jump then. But that was no hindrance to his fervor zeal to succeed.

Josh was ACC Player of the year when he played for Wake Forest (also Tim Duncan’s alma mater). The obstacles did not end their though. Everyone thought that he would be picked high in the draft. But in a batch where big names and talent like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh exist, he was hardly noticed. He was picked second to the last in the first round, 29th over-all by the Mavericks, an utter disappointment. But maybe, a blessing in disguise.

Howard did not mind that. He played hard, and was a great contributor in Dallas’ 2005 playoff campaign. His potential was realized as early as then, such that teams like Detroit and Seattle wondered why they picked Darko Milicic and Robert Swift ahead of him. His numbers have been increasing over the years. He averaged 12.6 points as a rookie, 15.6 as a sophomore. And now, he is a bonafide All-Star, norming 18.9 points a night, second only to MVP candidate Dirk Nowitzki. He is one of the most versatile players in the league. He also contributes 7 rebounds and 1.2 steals on top of his point production. And his defense is relentless. He is one of Coach Avery Johnson’s favorite.

And why not? He has risen against all odds. A guy truly emulating.