Eight-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard isn’t letting his elimination from Dancing With the Stars slow him down.
Fresh off the dance floor, the former Lakers champion is already eyeing a return to professional basketball, specifically targeting the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The timing of Howard’s pitch couldn’t be more calculated. With the Thunder’s rising star Chet Holmgren sidelined by a hip injury for up to 10 weeks, Howard sees a perfect opportunity to showcase his value as a veteran presence.
During his appearance on Kevin Garnett’s “All The Smoke” podcast, Howard made his intentions crystal clear.
“OKC, ya boy is ready. What’s happening? Y’all need a big,” he declared. “Y’all need a vet. Y’all need somebody that’s gonna bring some energy. I ain’t got nothing to do neither; I just got finished dancing. … I’d go to OKC right now. … Two-year [deal], let me finish out. We get y’all a championship and maybe another one.”
Dwight Howard makes his case for OKC to sign him 👀
(🎥 @allthesmokeprod) pic.twitter.com/eAQi4vVINo
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 14, 2024
Howard’s connection to the current Thunder roster runs deeper than casual observers might realize.
He won his 2020 NBA championship alongside Alex Caruso, who now dons the Thunder jersey.
With Oklahoma City emerging as a serious contender this season, Howard believes his championship experience could prove invaluable.
The Thunder’s current frontcourt rotation of Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Jalen Williams highlights their need for additional size and experience.
However, Howard’s recent basketball resume raises some questions. The 38-year-old veteran hasn’t stepped onto an NBA court since his 2021-22 stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he posted modest numbers of 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
His most recent playing experience comes from Taiwan’s T1 League with the Taoyuan Leopards.
While Howard may no longer be the dominant force that once terrorized the paint, his veteran presence and infectious energy could provide an interesting dimension to the Thunder’s young roster as they pursue their championship aspirations.
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