• Dwight Howard openly admitted his desire to retire on the Orlando Magic
• Howard was drafted No. 1 overall by the Magic in 2004
• Dwight hasn’t had a job in the NBA since his stint with the Lakers in 2021-22
Dwight Howard revisited Orlando this summer as he went to the city to show support to his former coach Stan Van Gundy, who recently lost his wife. Being back in Orlando helped Howard appreciate the years he spent with the Magic, even implying he would love to return to the city for a final hurrah before retirement.
“I really missed this beautiful city. I appreciate all the amazing moments that make this my home, despite the miscommunication or trials we’ve been through. I am grateful for my lessons and what they have taught me. And I value them. Orlando I value you. I value the moments we had good and bad. Wins and losses. The s*** was still the best. Blue and white will always ignite.”
Howard spent his first eight seasons in the NBA with the Magic, averaging 18.4 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks over his time with the franchise.
Dwight led Orlando to the 2009 NBA Finals, even vanquishing LeBron James in the Eastern Conference playoffs. He won three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year trophies from 2009 to 2011 with the Magic and is arguably one of the greatest players in franchise history.
Dwight Howard Fits On The Modern-Day Orlando Magic
There is a very strong case for Dwight to possibly get a final chance in the NBA with the team he started his career with. The Magic have 15 roster spots already committed to players, but teams can have up to 18 players through training camp and don’t need to size their roster down till later in the season.
Like he did with the 2020 Lakers, Howard could sign a non-guaranteed contract that gives him a roster spot that he can play into. He would be a valuable locker room veteran, given his familiarity with the organization and its fans, along with his championship experience.
If Howard can earn a roster spot, it would allow him to play the season out on a team that could make a playoff appearance. If not, at least his NBA career didn’t end with that disastrous 2021-22 Lakers season and he got to suit up in the colors of the franchise that gave him his start in the NBA.
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