The Philadelphia 76ers have been very busy in the 2020 offseason as they quickly prepare for the 2020-21 season. They completely overhauled their front office, they have a new coach, and they have made plenty of changes up and down their roster.
The change at head coach is significant as Doc Rivers is a guy who has a great reputation with players around the league and the team was counting on him to help make additions to their team in free agency. After the trades they made on draft night, the Sixers still needed a backup center and Rivers went to work quickly.
The team signed big man Dwight Howard to a 1-year $2.6 million deal and he is expected to be the veteran leader on the team as well as make sure the team does not fall off a cliff when Joel Embiid goes to the bench.
“The reason why I was so locked in on Philly is that Doc was the only coach who called me during this free agency process,” said Howard. “The first one to call me and he said ‘We want you. We want you on our team.’ Then Daryl (Mprey) called and I said this is where need to be right now. This is where my journey is calling me. I was super happy that Doc called me and gave me an opportunity and I told him ‘yes’.”
One of Howard’s teammates with the Los Angeles Lakers was also very influential in his decision. Rajon Rondo played for Rivers for seven seasons in Boston and Howard talked to Rondo about playing for Rivers.
“I talked to Rondo,” Howard added. “Rondo was probably a big contributor. Just talking with him and the relationship he had with Doc. So I would say Doc and also Elton Brand.”
There is a lot of familiarity in Philadelphia for Howard. Danny Green was his teammate with the Lakers this past season and he also has Morey in his corner who was the general manager who brought him to the Houston Rockets in 2013.
“Me and Daryl go back all the way to Houston and it’s great to see us back together,” he added. “Our time in Houston, we thought we had a chance to win a championship, but it wasn’t the right time. I believe that both of us are in good places mentally, physically, spiritually, and this would be a great opportunity to win the championship together.”
The Sixers are one of the more talented teams in the league and Howard could be the guy who can help stabilize them, bring them together, and provide good play off the bench to be sure the team gets over the hump. For only $2.6 million, the Sixers could be walking away from free agency with one of the better gets in the league.
“I’m super excited about joining the 76ers,” he said with a smile. “They have been a team that I have watched from afar for the last couple of years. I would always tell people how great I think this team can be and now we’re here. I’m very excited to be a part of the organization.” [lawrence-related id=39496,39493,39490]