One of the more interesting debates in the NBA over the last few months has been the comparison between superstar big men Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard.
Although these two former teammates can’t be compared equally right now, as Davis is still arguably in the prime of his career and Howard is out of the league completely, the peaks of their respective careers can definitely be debated.
This discussion got started when Howard was snubbed for the NBA’s 75 greatest players of all time, with Davis and Damian Lillard getting the nod over the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
On an appearance on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast with Shannon Sharpe, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was asked about the debate over Davis and Howard and who he’d pick in terms of having a better career thus far.
“Dwight Howard was more impactful than Anthony Davis.” – @StephenASmith
Stephen A. & @ShannonSharpe Pick’s @DwightHoward‘s Career Over @AntDavis23‘s. Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/N6toToClev
— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) September 8, 2023
In terms of being the best all-around player, that distinction definitely goes to Davis, who can do virtually anything on the basketball floor and be among the best in the league.
However, Howard’s body of work has been more impressive, as he’s accomplished more and has been more available over the course of his career with the ability to stay healthy, which is something Davis has always struggled with.
As Smith put it, the impact of Howard’s career has been more significant than what Davis has been able to do up to this point in his career in the NBA, and that might never change if the Los Angeles Lakers superstar doesn’t rack up more accolades in however long he has left playing in the league.
