Royce Reed, in a recent interview on VladTV, cast doubt on Dwight Howard’s chances of returning to the NBA. Reed, known for her time on reality TV and as Howard’s ex-partner, offered insights into the perception of Howard within certain circles. She expressed skepticism about the NBA embracing Howard due to what she sees as drama unrelated to basketball.
“No. When I was dancing and even when I was on the show, you know, you run in certain circles and you hear certain things, and I think as a collective, I don’t believe that they really eff with him.”
“I mean, I think it’s just the drama in general.” (0:15)
Reed emphasized the billion-dollar nature of the NBA and suggested that the league might be hesitant to associate with Howard’s off-court controversies. She clarified that her concerns weren’t related to Howard’s personal preferences but rather the drama he brings into the sports industry. According to Reed, several players have criticized Howard for not being a good teammate.
Despite Howard’s eagerness to return to the NBA and his recent trial with the Golden State Warriors, Reed’s comments imply that the league’s decision-makers may be wary of potential distractions and drama that could accompany Howard.
The remarks provide a glimpse into the challenges Howard faces not only in showcasing his on-court skills but also in addressing perceptions related to his past behavior and its impact on team dynamics.
Dwight Howard Didn’t Get The Respect He Deserved In The NBA
Dwight Howard, an 8-time NBA All-Star and 3-time Defensive Player of the Year, has faced persistent disrespect and criticism throughout his career, and former NBA swingman Trevor Ariza sheds light on why this might be the case. Ariza attributes the lack of recognition to Howard’s perceived “goofy” personality, stating that he played too much and didn’t conform to the traditional image of a basketball superstar.
While Howard’s on-court dominance during his prime, exemplified by leading the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009, is undeniable, his off-court demeanor seemingly impacted how he was perceived by fans and fellow players. Ariza’s comments highlight the challenge Howard faced in balancing his positive approach to life with the expectations of a league that often values a more serious and focused demeanor.
The Lakers’ experiment with Howard in 2012, pairing him with Kobe Bryant, ended in disappointment as their differing personalities clashed, contributing to a first-round playoff exit. This reflected a recurring theme in Howard’s career – his struggle to match the competitive spirit of some of the league’s legends.
Despite Howard’s accomplishments, including winning an NBA championship as a backup center with the Lakers in 2020, he was notably omitted from the NBA’s Top 75 players of all time. Howard’s failure to adapt to the changing dynamics of the game might have affected his legacy. As the NBA evolved, there was a shift towards stretch bigs who could shoot from the perimeter, a skill set Howard lacked.
The league increasingly valued centers with three-point shooting abilities, which didn’t align with Howard’s traditional low-post game.
Moreover, Howard’s resistance to accepting a smaller role in line with the evolving style of play led to him being traded multiple times. His unwillingness to embrace a different playing style saw him move from team to team, with his last NBA stint being with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022.
As Howard’s playing days appear to be over, his complex legacy stands as a testament to the challenges he faced in balancing on-court greatness with off-court perceptions and how those factors have influenced his place in NBA history.
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