The Washington Wizards are determined to prove they are not just a mediocre team that makes early playoff exits every year, and some have wondered why they would sign a player like Dwight Howard. Apparently, Howard is more determined than ever at this point in his career.
NBC Sports Washington’s Chris Miller said on the “Wizards Tipoff” podcast recently that he has been told Howard wants to change the perception surrounding him, which is that he creates headaches and wears out his welcome everywhere he plays.
“Dwight has worn out his welcome in the last four places he’s been: Houston, LA, Charlotte and Atlanta, his hometown. From what I’ve been told by a source, he wants to change the narrative on him, what people perceive of him,” Hughes said, as transcribed by his co-worker Michaela Johnson. “I’m excited about him. I went from being ‘okay’ to being excited about him. Because from what I heard, he’s trying to change the image of him coming into a team and wearing out his welcome.”
Howard has a reputation for not holding himself accountable and sulking when things don’t go his way. He proved he is still capable of producing with 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds per game last season, but the 32-year-old’s attitude is a big reason the market for services was not substantial.
Howard’s issues with the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant were well-documented, but he was more recently ripped by one of his former Atlanta Hawks teammates. There have also been rumblings that Howard was not viewed favorably in the Charlotte Hornets locker room last year, so you can understand why he is ready to change the narrative.
Since Howard signed for the $5.3 million mid-level exception, the Wizards aren’t taking a huge risk. If they get a refocused big man who is determined to prove himself, Howard could end up being a steal.
