Dwight Howard is ready for a fresh start in Atlanta, and he says the Hawks are getting a very motivated player.
Howard told Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he’s working hard after an underwhelming final season in Houston.
“I want to do whatever I can to bring a championship home,” Howard said Tuesday. “I know it’s not going to be easy. I’ve worked extremely hard this summer, every summer. I’m very motivated. I’m really (ticked) off about last season. I’m looking forward to coming back with a different mentality.”
Howard said he was so upset by last season because his team struggled.
“Losing,” said Howard. “A lot of people see me with smiles and all that stuff and think I don’t care but I hate losing. I hate seeing other people stand up on the podium and hold up that trophy and I worked so hard for it. That’s the main thing.”
Howard has frequently been accused of looking disinterested during games, particularly down the stretch with the Rockets. Howard has always said that he takes the game seriously and wants to win, and while there’s no reason not to believe him, that motivation hasn’t always translated to the actual game. Perhaps his tenure in Atlanta will come off differently.
