In his first year with the Charlotte Hornets, big man Dwight Howard is in the midst of one of the most productive campaigns in his NBA career. Howard has had a solid all-around play on both ends of the court that has caught the attention of head coach Steve Clifford.

Clifford believes it can be attributed to the 32-year-old's commitment to his overall performance, according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.

I think he deserves a ton of credit for this: It’s been his best season since his second in Houston (2014-15, when he averaged 15.8 points and 10.5 rebounds). It’s a direct result of all the work he did over the summer; really committed in all areas. We’re talking about a guy who had significant back surgery and has had a knee injury (throughout his NBA career). The beginning of the season was difficult because of Nic (being injured, impeding synergy). What (Howard) brings is the ability to control the paint. When we’re executing well at both ends, he has had games where he has been terrific. It made sense to (make the the trade) and he’s done it well.

dwight howard
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Dwight Howard has been nothing short of consistent production this season currently averaging 15.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. He has set a franchise record and personal-best mark with eight straight games with 15 or more rebounds and is the only player this year to accomplish that feat. Howard has also recorded 16 games with 20-or-more points and 10-or more rebounds through 56 games this season, which is tied for ninth most in the NBA.

He also became just the third player in franchise history to record at least 750 points, 500 rebounds, and 50 blocks through 50 games joining the likes of Gerald Wallace and Emeka Okafor. Howard is third in the NBA with 22 games with at least 15-plus rebounds and fifth with 36 double-doubles this season.

Although he may not be the player he once was offensively, Howard is still one of the top big men in the league.

However, this hasn't exactly translated to much success on the court with Steve Clifford's Hornets holding a 24-33 heading into the second half of the season. If Charlotte hopes to make a serious run at the playoffs it will require a bigger push from Howard and All-Star point guard Kemba Walker to lead the way.