Why has Dwight Howard become so awful?

Seriously, is Dwight Howard purposely trying to become the most hated player in the NBA? I think he has managed to surpass LeBron James. For as much backlash as LeBron has received for his "Decision," that wasn't nearly as bad as this Dwightmare. LeBron wasn't purposely trying to hold the franchise hostage. LeBron didn't get his coach fired. LeBron didn't get his GM fired. LeBron didn't sign an "opt-in" clause to stay in Cleveland. He wasn't saying he didn't want to play for this city, or that city, or whatever. He never asked to be traded. He played out his contract like he was supposed to and had every right to go where he wanted. He didn't exactly handle it that well with "The Decision," but he had every right to leave Cleveland. The media blew his free agency out of proportion. He certainly wasn't doing or saying anything to antagonize the sports world. Not like Dwight Howard. Dwight Howard has transformed from one of the most respected and likeable players in the NBA into one of the most hated and disliked NBA players all in just a one year span. I don't know how something as egregious as that is even possible, but he managed to do it. Why has Dwight become so awful? Did I seriously just read that Howard couldn't make his annual basketball day camp for children, and instead, sent someone else to take his place? Really? Wow, this dude is seriously awful. I can't believe that Dwight has become this way. I don't know why Howard has changed so much. I guess you can die and be a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.

To put things in perspective here, through it all, is Dwight Howard really even all that good? I mean, he's one of the best defensive players in the NBA no question, and that is largely the reason I have him in my top-10, but is he really even all that despite being considered the "best center" in the NBA? He has many flaws. His post game is still laughable even after seemingly working on it for years and years. His back-to-the-basket game is not as smooth as say, Pau Gasol's. He is an absolutely terrible passer, and often doesn't even look to pass. While his defense in the paint is impressive, one-on-one, guys can take him because he isn't as great of a one-on-one defender as he is when he roams in the paint defensively. No point in talking about his FT shooting. That's an absolute joke. And his turnovers may be even worse. There is absolutely no excuse for a center to have such a terrible assists:turnover ratio like Dwight does.

The best centers in the past were adept passers and weren't nearly as turnover prone as Dwight. Yeah, "best center in the NBA," but he's a big fish in a small pond. I mean, if you put Janet Reno and Rosie O'Donnell in the same room, Rosie O'Donnell is the prettiest girl in the room. Dwight isn't that special because he's the "best center" in the game. It's really a thin position. I just don't think Dwight Howard is all that great like say, LeBron James or Kevin Durant, to be causing so much controversy, and putting negative attention on himself. He's simply not that good. In many ways, he's an awful basketball player who just happens to be blessed with unreal athleticism and before last season, durability. While many claim Howard is a franchise player, he really isn't. He's a complimentary player at best who's being treated like a franchise player at this point. You can't run an efficient offense through him, and he doesn't make his teammates better on both sides of the ball. Until he develops a better post game, becomes an adept passer while cutting down on his silly turnovers, becomes a better FT shooter, and is mentally ready to win championships, Howard will never be a franchise player.

I'm sorry, but I'm not convinced that you want to win when you are so adamant about joining a team that hasn't won a championship since Disco was popular. And that wasn't even a legitimate NBA championship. Yeah, Dwight, you really aren't this good to be treating Orlando so badly. You may feel disrespected with what Orlando has done to you, but you should be honored that Orlando gave you the opportunity that they did. They built a good team around you that suited you and masked your limitations, and that still wasn't enough. I hope you are enjoying yourself this offseason watching LeBron James lead his team to a championship and on pace to lead USA to another gold medal, because that is something you will never ever do in a span of three months.