In a surprising turn of events, former Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard came close to joining the Golden State Warriors this offseason. However, the Warriors’ front office ultimately decided against signing the 37-year-old veteran. This rejection prompted Howard to take to Twitter to express his frustration.
Former LA Champion Dwight Howard Expresses Frustration After Warriors Reject Him
Howard’s basketball journey has been nothing short of remarkable. He entered the NBA as the first overall pick straight out of high school, selected by the Orlando Magic. Over his 18-season career, he established himself as one of the league’s premier defenders, earning eight All-Star selections and multiple All-NBA honors. Additionally, he was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and even came close to winning the coveted MVP award.
During his time with the Lakers, Howard experienced both highs and lows. In the 2012-13 season, he joined forces with legends Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Steve Nash as a highly paid All-Star acquisition. However, the team’s performance fell short of expectations. Howard then chose to leave the Lakers as a free agent the following summer.
Only as a WARRIOR can one withstand the path of knowledge. A WARRIOR cannot complain or regret anything. His life is an endless challenge. And challenges cannot possibly be good or bad. Challenges are simply challenges. 💯 🫵🏾 go be GR8
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) September 23, 2023
In a surprising twist, Howard returned to the Lakers for a second stint and played a crucial role in their successful 2020 playoff run in the Western Conference. Although he didn’t contribute significantly in the Finals against the Miami Heat, his presence was felt throughout the season.
Recently, Howard’s most recent NBA experience was once again with the Lakers, but this time as a reserve center. Despite his diminished athleticism compared to the previous season, he remained a valuable asset to the team. Unable to secure a new contract last summer, Howard took his talents to Taiwan, where he put up impressive numbers for the Taoyuan Leopards during the 2022-23 season.
The news of Howard’s potential addition to the Warriors’ frontcourt generated excitement among fans. However, the team ultimately decided to go in a different direction, leaving the veteran center disappointed. Taking to Twitter, Howard expressed his frustration, providing a glimpse into his emotions following the rejection.
While it remains uncertain what the future holds for Howard, his passion for the game and desire to contribute to a winning team are evident. As a former Lakers champion, he has left his mark on the franchise and will be remembered for his defensive prowess and tenacity on the court.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, surprises and disappointments are bound to occur. For Dwight Howard, the rejection by the Golden State Warriors serves as another chapter in his eventful career. As fans await his next move, one thing is certain – Howard’s passion for the game and determination to prove himself remain unwavering.