Dwight Howard is officially a member of the Washington Wizards. The all-star center was introduced to the media during a press conference on Monday. Howard seemed excited about the opportunity to play for the Wizards, saying he would like to retire a Wizard after saying he feels he could play another eight years. Of course, his checkered past that has seen him reportedly wear out his welcome with his previous five teams, was brought up.
Howard being a master of being witty, had a hilarious response to the questioning.
“I learned Magic for 8 years…traveled to La La Land, learned how to work with Rockets…how to fly with Hawks, got stung by the Hornets, and through all of that it’s taught me how to be a Wizard”@DwightHoward with a tremendous quote 😂 pic.twitter.com/79t8Q2fYjV
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 23, 2018
“I learned Magic for eight years…traveled to La La Land, learned how to work with Rockets…how to fly with Hawks, got stung by the Hornets, and through all of that it’s taught me how to be a Wizard”
The looks on head coach Scott Brooks and general manager Ernie Grunfeld say it all. Brooks looked as if he was trying figure out the puzzle that Howard dropped. Meanwhile, Grunfeld couldn’t hide his look of confusion. Still, the saying was a clever quote, and one that drops laughs but may illustrate the mindset that has rubbed some of his teammates the wrong way in the past.
Nonetheless, Howard is stoked about joining forces with John Wall and Bradley Beal and being the missing piece, at least at center, that the Wizards have long yearned.
Entering his 15th season, Howard is ready to shake the criticism of his past and help Washington and his career get over the top. It will be interesting fit to say the least with Wall and Beal at his current age of 32. However, Howard believes he can rekindle his old form that made him the most feared big man in the NBA during his prime years, and garnered him the nickname Superman.
“I still got the cape,” Howard jokingly stated. “I’m ready to dust it off.”
Even if he does not reach his Superman level-play, bringing in a strong 17 points and 13 rebounds and near two blocks a night like he did last season in Charlotte, will be a welcome upgrade for the Wizards and their chances of getting back among the elite in the Eastern Conference. That and not being added stress to the locker room. Only time will tell.
