Dwight Howard: The east is taking over

During his first few years in the NBA, all Dwight Howard could hear was how dominant the west was.

Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz were the toast of the league. The tide is changing, according to Howard.

"I think for the past three or four years, teams from the east have been a lot better. It’s just the way things are now," Howard said during the unveiling of the NBA Revolution 30 uniforms at the NBA store on Wednesday. "Back when I first started everybody said the east is like the JV compared to the varsity in the west."

Howard, a four-time all-star and two-time NBA defensive player of the year, is correct in that assessment.

With the big three -LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh- in Miami, the Bulls adding Carlos Boozer and Boston reloading with the likes of Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal, the eastern conference won't be a cakewalk.

Even the bottom half of last season's playoff contenders -the Hawks, Bucks and Bobcats- are expected to be in the fight.

The Knicks are younger, more energetic and have their best power player in Amar'e Stoudemire since Patrick Ewing was in his prime, while the Nets have Brook Lopez, Devin Harris, Terrence Williams and new coach Avery Johnson to build around.

Howard attributed the west's dominance in part to the lack of veteran stars in the east. But now, many of the east's young stars have become experienced leaders. 

Howard said. "As we grew as individuals our teams got a lot better. We were just young then. Now we’re learning the game. We’re learning how to be leaders. That’s the key for young guys. Look at LeBron and how he turned his team around in Cleveland. And Dwayne [Wade]."

With several of the west's top teams showing their age -San Antonio, Dallas, etc.. - the turning of the tide could happen sooner than most people think. 

Howard added: "The east is taking over."