Dwight Howard, who is a former Orlando Magic Player, wants to return to his former club. During his nine years playing the Magic, he was extraordinary and helped them reach finals during the 2009 playoffs. Howard became an Orlando legend, averaging 18.4 points, 13.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game in eight seasons with the team. But he wasn’t the only big-name player who was drafted by the Magic.
Would you like to see Dwight Howard in an Orlando Magic uniform again? 🤔
“I would definitely want to come back and be a part of the Magic, their team and what they’re trying to accomplish in Orlando now… Would be a great [thing to be] in Orlando to finish out my career where… pic.twitter.com/snOufrR4MT
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 29, 2023
In 1992, Magic drafted Shaquille O’Neal, the greatest center ever NBA and fans witnessed it. Dwight and Shaq are regarded as two great centers, but Dwight wants to return to his roots to retire at the team that drafted him (something Shaq never wanted to do). However, he has no intention of returning for sentimental reasons and is certain that he can still contribute to Orlando, including by being a seasoned player with championship experience. Dwight revealed his intention through his Twitter handle, where he wrote:
“I would definitely want to come back and be a part of the Magic, their team, and what they’re trying to accomplish in Orlando now…Would be a great [thing to be] in Orlando to finish out my career where I started it, and for the young and upcoming and promising team who I feel would need some type of veteran leadership. … I think it’ll be very beneficial to the players, to the city, to the organization,”
The conversation today with Dwight Howard got me thinking about how special he was in Orlando
One element I loved of his game: The way he smoothly turned a screen into a hard roll & physically dominant postup for an easy hook shot & score. Did this every single game for years pic.twitter.com/AasCWbAlFM
— Mavs/Magic Draft (@MavsDraft) September 30, 2023
There are many similarities between the careers of Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard. The Orlando Magic selected both big men, and they later played for the Los Angeles Lakers. They have already inducted Shaq into the Hall of Fame, whereas Howard most likely will someday. During their primes, both players ruled the court.
Where is Dwight Howard right now?
After spending 2021–2022 with the Lakers, Howard left the country and signed with the Leopards of Taiwan. One On November 7, 2022, Dwight signed a deal with the Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 League. Former NBA All-Star Dwight Howard is reportedly earning just over $1 million to play basketball professionally in Taiwan. The league approved a waiver for Howard, who will receive a salary of over $1 million, despite the fact that it typically restricts the pay of foreign players to US$200,000.
In his first game for the Leopards on November 19, Howard outscored New Taipei CTBC DEA 120-115 with 38 points, 25 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 blocks. As we know, Shaq and Dwight had a little beef in the past, so Shaq While talking about it on his podcast, O’Neal laughed about Dwight’s performance. He said, “He’s supposed to have 30 points playing against dudes 5-foot-8, ” Shaquille O’Neal said. “This league reminds me of the lifetime Fitness league every Saturday when I go work out on Saturday.”
There was also a rumour of Golden State Warriors signing Dwight, but it didn’t work out as well as should have been. Howard may or may not be of interest to the Magic, though. Given how young they are, he fails to match their timeline. Not to mention, it doesn’t seem like they will challenge for the championship in 2023–2024. But let’s hope Howard gets one more chance to play in the NBA, even if it’s not with the Magic.
