The Philadelphia 76ers brought in veteran Dwight Howard on a 1-year, $2.6 million deal in order to help fix the backup center problem the team has dealt with the past few years.
In a bench role for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2019-20 season, he averaged 7.5 points and 7.3 rebounds with 1.1 blocks in 18.9 minutes per game. He played in 69 games, and he started two of them. So he is now used to a bench role in this league, and he will fill the same role in Philadelphia.
Having been in the league for 16 seasons, he will have wisdom to share with his younger teammates, especially Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
“Just showing some of the things that I’ve learned over the years, things that will break you down, but also things that can really lift you up,” said Howard. “Not just doing it through words, but really just my actions. Just showing that in order to play and have longevity in this league, you have to work hard every day and sacrifice. That’s what it takes to win. I’m looking forward to just showing what I’ve seen. That sacrifice and doing whatever it takes to win can take you a long way.”
Howard can still produce in short bursts, but in a smaller capacity. At this point of his career, he is no longer “Superman” like he was in his younger days. Winning a title now takes a lot of sacrifice on his part, and he is ready and willing to do his part to help this team win.
“Sometimes, you have to give up everything; sometimes your role is required of you to give up the thing you want to do the most,” he explained. “For me, I would have loved to be that guy to score all the points and grab all the rebounds, but my team needed me for a specific purpose and that was to provide the spirit, energy on and off the court, and I think I did a pretty good job at it. And whatever this team asks me to do, I’m willing to do.”
At 34 years old, he turns 35 in December, Howard has some tread on his tires. However, if he can continue to produce in these smaller roles, how long can he continue to stay in the league?
“I love to stay in shape,” he said with a smile. “I love to stay on top of my game. Physically, mentally, spiritually. This year, I’ve never felt this more better throughout my whole career. I personally feel like I can play least four or five more years at a very dominant level, but I’m just looking forward to showing it. I know I’m 35 years old, 34 going 35, but I can do whatever it takes to help a team win and my body’s in great shape.”
When the Sixers begin the season on Dec. 22, they will continue to count on Howard to make sure the job gets done off the bench. It sounds like he is ready for whatever job coach Doc Rivers throws at him.
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