The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to move on from a tough 2019-20 season with a new coach and a brand new supporting cast surrounding stars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
One of those many new additions includes Dwight Howard who is a 16-year veteran in this league. He is expected to come in and provide good backup play behind Joel Embiid and also be a leader in trying to get the most out of the star duo and the younger guys.
So far in practice, he has caught the eye of Ben Simmons as well as catching the eye of coach Doc Rivers.
“He’s leading more by example and that’s always the best leadership, especially from a player perspective, he’s out there doing it,” said Rivers. “He’s holding himself accountable, which I think is something great for all our guys to see every time Dwight makes a mistake. He’s the first one who raises his hand. ‘My fault. What do I need to do?’ He asks questions a lot, which a lot of veterans don’t they they feel like asking a question is a sign of weakness for whatever reason instead of getting to know what we’re doing. He’s been fantastic.”
Howard has really transformed his game and his attitude from being one of the game’s top players to accepting that he is now just a role player and it is great for him to play that role.
After winning a title with Danny Green coming over too, Rivers is really impressed with the way Howard has progressed. It will also help the rest of the roster to use these two guys as examples of what professionalism looks like.
“It’s not bad having championship guys on your team,” Rivers said with a smile. “Let’s just put it like that and veteran guys that are over themselves. Danny came in the league that way. He’s always just kind of fit in. Dwight has grown that way. The thing I’ve been so impressed with Dwight, it’s rare that a guy can go from the guy, superstar, MVP, in the MVP category every year to being a role player and wanting to help everybody else and that’s what he’s doing.”
While both Green and Howard will certainly help both Simmons and Embiid grow as players, they will also be very helpful to the rest of the roster. Not every player is going to lead the team in scoring or lead be the MVP of the league. There are also role players that have to help the other two succeed for the betterment of the team.
“Really impressive to see him do that and having Danny do it as well, will be great not just for Ben and Joel,” the coach finished. “I think Ben and Joel are going to be great, regardless. I think he’s going to be great for the other guys to show them by playing a role, you can be a star as well.” [lawrence-related id=40004,40000,39997]