At Gateway Arena, it’s Rhyne Howard bobblehead night. The tiny figurine is Howard’s first; it means everything to fans. “I’ve been waiting years for this,” one fan said enthusiastically with a bobble in his hands. Rhyne Howard! Number 10! That’s my girl,” he continued in disbelief — a microcosm of Howard’s impact on the franchise.
The former Kentucky Wildcat has been a bucket since arriving in Atlanta and, by most accounts, has lived up to expectations of being a No. 1 draft pick. But there’s been an unspoken notion that Howard is somehow underachieving, and it has been quietly growing since Howard dropped 43 points on 70 percent shooting against the Sparks last year.
It’s not that 40 is the expectation. But that colossal game came after Howard was initially snubbed for WNBA All-Star honors, and the way she played that day with so much fire and passion has only appeared in glimpses since then. Until now.
Howard’s been on a tear, playing 30-plus-point games and influencing her teammates to play their best basketball. The wins may not always come—that’s basketball—but this is the version of Howard the Dream needs. Her leadership will take Atlanta wherever it wants, including the playoffs.
“Rhyne is [an] All-Star,” Jordin Canada told the media ahead of a matchup with the Lynx. She’s playing to [an] All-Star caliber…not only just her scoring, but just her leadership as well. Just her setting the tone, talking in the huddles, talking to different teammates throughout the game — it’s been really powerful for us, and it’s really impacted us a lot. She’s locked in. We’re all locked in with her.”
Let’s be clear. Atlanta is Rhyne Howard’s team. Her supporting starters (Allisha Gray, Tina Charles, Canada and Naz Hillmon) are there to help along with the reserves. Still, Rhyne’s demeanor and tenacity on the court dictate how everyone else responds.
If I could offer any advice to Howard, it would be this: It’s time, Rhyne. It’s time to elevate.You’re more than ready and qualified. Everyone believes in you. Now, it’s your turn to believe. The clock is ticking and playoffs are on the line. You’ve shown before you belong in the big moments. Don’t shrink your yourself.
The franchise is waiting for you to be decisive, aggressive — and fearless.
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