After a contentious season where he battled injuries and struggled to fit in the Los Angeles Lakers system, All Star center Dwight Howard is primed for a reboot and is looking forward to the season with his new team, the Houston Rockets.
The seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA team, five-time All-Defensive member and three-time Defensive Player of the Year is in town for the NBA Global Games Philippines 2013 where he’ll man the shaded lane against the Indiana Pacers tonight at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The soft-spoken giant met the media right after his team’s practice session and bared his excitement at this fresh start with the Rockets which signed him up for four years at $90M.
“Last season’s over with. I’m a lot better than I was physically and I’m looking forward to this season,” said Howard, who averaged 17.1 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.4 assists while playing for the Lakers last season. In spite of the gaudy averages, Howard struggled at times to fit in with the Lakers’ system while recovering from back surgery.
This season, Howard had nothing but praise for his new head coach, Kevin Mchale, who has worked with the 27-year old all summer long.
“It’s great. We’ve been training together all summer. I really have been enjoying his presence. He’s a great guy and a great coach. We have the same beliefs and he understands that bigs have to dominate the paint. That’s what I’m going to do,” Howard added.
A personality unlike any other in the league, Howard’s reputation took a turn and was vilified in past seasons due to his indecisiveness as to where he wants to play. After sulking in Orlando, he eventually got traded to the Lakers in 2012. After getting offers from the Atlanta Hawks, the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks, Howard eventually settled in Houston where he seemed to have found a comfort zone.
“I love these guys. We fit well together. We love being around each other. We love making one another better and we’re looking forward to this season.”
Howard also expressed his excitement at coming back to the Philippines after visiting here during his rookie season.
“I’ve been here before. The first time I came, I really enjoyed myself. I had an unbelievable time and I’ve been very excited to come back. I had so much fun the last time I came. I’m happy I’m here and I’m looking forward to tomorrow (today),” Howard stated.