Superman Does it Again

Howard has developed into the best big
man in the NBA.

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard captured his third consecutive Defensive Player of the Year Award Monday.

Howard will become the first player in NBA history to win the award three times in-a-row. There is no question that Howard has been the best defensive player in the NBA the last couple of years with his shot blocking ability and being able to alter opponents shots around the rim.

Along with being named the top defensive player in the NBA in 2011, Howard could add another piece of hardware to his collection at the end of the season.

Howard has been in the Most Valuable Player discussion most of the NBA regular season and rightfully so. He is enjoying his most consistent year of young seven-year career. The 265-pounder averaged 22.9 points per game along with 14.1 rebounds this season.

Both of those are well above his career averages.

Howard led the NBA in trips to the foul line, averaging 11 free-throw attempts during the regular season. With Howard's overwhelming production, the Magic secured the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 52-30.

It's not a stretch to say without Howard Orlando might not even be a playoff team.

Even though Chicago's Derrick Rose is the most deserving of the award, Howard is finally getting the reconition he deserves.

The 6-foot-11 center showed why he was the best defensive player in the NBA this season yet again, averaging 2.4 blocks and a career-high 1.3 steals per game. Drafted with the first overall pick by the Magic back in 2004, Howard has been a top five player in the NBA since his arrival and continues to impress his piers.

Orlando suffered a tough loss Saturday night at home against the No. 5 seeded Atlanta Hawks, 103-93, but Howard gave it his best effort, leading the away with 46 points and 19 rebounds.

The Magic have a tough road ahead if they want to appear in their third Eastern Conference Finals in as many years. It's a goal that plan to meet, but Orlando will first need even up the series at a game apiece on Tuesday night to get there.

Howard can become a free agent after the 2012 season and will be sure to draw a lot of interest from many NBA teams on the open market.

The Magic will need to show the 25-year-old Howard they get back to the NBA Finals, like they did in 2009. If they don't, that could be kryptonite that sees their beloved Superman fly out of town.