While Magic center Dwight Howard's back has "showed significant improvement," the operating surgeon declined to say the Orlando star will be ready by the start of the 2012-13 season, but is "optimistic" Howard will return next season. "(Howard) showed significant improvement from his preoperative condition that necessitated mandatory spine surgery," Dr. Robert Watkins said in a statement released on Tuesday outlining Howard's progress since undergoing surgery on Friday to repair a herniated disk. "While it is anticipated that Dwight will not be able to participate in the Olympics," Watkins said, "I am very optimistic that he will be able to play next season." Read more: http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7...rlando-magic-optimistic-center-play-next-year
