(Photograph by John McCoy/Getty Pictures)
Eight-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard isn’t letting his elimination from Dancing With the Stars gradual him down.
Contemporary off the dance flooring, the previous Lakers champion is already eyeing a return to skilled basketball, particularly focusing on the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
The timing of Howard’s pitch couldn’t be extra calculated. With the Thunder’s rising star Chet Holmgren sidelined by a hip harm for as much as 10 weeks, Howard sees an ideal alternative to showcase his worth as a veteran presence.
Throughout his look on Kevin Garnett’s “All The Smoke” podcast, Howard made his intentions crystal clear.
“OKC, ya boy is ready. What’s happening? Y’all need a big,” he declared. “Y’all need a vet. Y’all need somebody that’s gonna bring some energy. I ain’t got nothing to do neither; I just got finished dancing. … I’d go to OKC right now. … Two-year [deal], let me finish out. We get y’all a championship and maybe another one.”
Dwight Howard makes his case for OKC to signal him 👀
Howard’s connection to the present Thunder roster runs deeper than informal observers may understand.
He gained his 2020 NBA championship alongside Alex Caruso, who now dons the Thunder jersey.
With Oklahoma Metropolis rising as a severe contender this season, Howard believes his championship expertise might show invaluable.
The Thunder’s present frontcourt rotation of Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Jalen Williams highlights their want for extra measurement and expertise.
Nonetheless, Howard’s current basketball resume raises some questions. The 38-year-old veteran hasn’t stepped onto an NBA courtroom since his 2021-22 stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, the place he posted modest numbers of 6.2 factors and 5.9 rebounds per recreation.
His most up-to-date enjoying expertise comes from Taiwan’s T1 League with the Taoyuan Leopards.
Whereas Howard could now not be the dominant drive that after terrorized the paint, his veteran presence and infectious vitality might present an fascinating dimension to the Thunder’s younger roster as they pursue their championship aspirations.
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