A rule set to be introduced by the Chinese Basketball Association prohibiting foreigners from signing short-term contracts has ended any chance of Dwight Howard suiting up in the Far East. The Chinese will not allow players to have an 'out-clause', meaning anyone that signs with a club has to remain for the duration of the season. Howard had previously mentioned that playing in China was a possibility, but now says that he will remain in the United States and work with former Houston Rockets center, Hakeem Olajuwon, a little more.

"They got the rule, so I don't know," Howard said in a one-on-one interview with the Orlando Sentinel. "I'm just going to continue doing what I'm doing."

In addition to visits with Olajuwon, Howard has enlisted the services of a shooting coach to help expand his offensive arsenal. He says the extra work is paying off so far.

"It's [his shot] looking a lot better," said Howard, who declined to release the name of his shooting coach because they've yet to agree on a contract. "I've been working with him a week and he's changed my shot tremendously."

The Magic pivot also ruled out playing in Europe where he would run the risk of injury without the same financial incentive.