In a surprising revelation, NBA insiders have recently uncovered that the Golden State Warriors had a keen interest in signing Dwight Howard back in 2013, prior to his eventual move to the Houston Rockets. The news sheds light on what could have been a significant turning point for both Howard and the Warriors, potentially altering the course of NBA history. Let’s delve into the details of this missed opportunity and explore how it could have impacted the landscape of the league.
The Warriors’ Pursuit of Dwight Howard
According to respected NBA insider Marc Stein, the Warriors, under the ownership of Joe Lacob, made a strong push to acquire Dwight Howard during the summer of 2013. Having just completed his first stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, Howard was a highly sought-after free agent at the time. The Warriors, with their sights set on building a championship-caliber team, saw Howard as a valuable addition to their roster.
During his free agency deliberations, Dwight Howard arranged an offseason training session alongside the emerging star Stephen Curry, who was yet to earn his first NBA All-Star selection. This gesture highlighted the Warriors’ aggressive recruitment approach and their desire to showcase the team’s potential to Howard. However, despite their efforts, Howard ultimately opted to sign with the Houston Rockets, leaving the Warriors disappointed.
In hindsight, Dwight Howard’s decision to join the Rockets may have been influenced by several factors. The Rockets, led by James Harden, presented an enticing opportunity for Howard to be part of a team with championship aspirations. Additionally, the Warriors’ core, which would go on to achieve tremendous success in the subsequent years, may not have been fully formed had Howard joined the team.
The Warriors’ Rise to Dominance
Following Howard’s decision, the Golden State Warriors experienced a meteoric rise to dominance. In 2015, the franchise captured their first NBA championship since 1975, kickstarting one of the most impressive dynasties in recent memory. Over the next few seasons, the Warriors would go on to win three more titles, cementing their place in basketball history. Interestingly, Howard’s Rockets were eliminated by the Warriors in two of his three seasons with Houston, further emphasizing the missed opportunity for both parties.
Now, a decade later, Dwight Howard finds himself at a different stage in his career. At 37 years old, he spent the previous season playing basketball in Taiwan and has been seeking new opportunities to continue playing in the NBA. While his decision to join the Rockets in 2013 may have denied him the chance to be part of a championship-winning team, Howard’s career has been filled with notable moments and accomplishments.
The revelation of the Golden State Warriors’ strong interest in Dwight Howard in 2013 offers a fascinating glimpse into what could have been a transformative move for both Howard and the franchise. While Howard’s decision to join the Houston Rockets instead may have altered the course of NBA history, it also allowed the Warriors’ core to flourish and establish themselves as one of the greatest teams of their era. As Howard continues his basketball journey, fans and analysts can only wonder about the potential alternate reality where Howard donned the Warriors’ jersey and contributed to their illustrious success.