Dwight Howard has once again flashed up in the NBA news for his criticism of top NBA players. He called out top players such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and James Harden to join him in the Taiwanese league after their Playoff losses this season. However, Howard seems to forget that he was subject to this same criticism and ridicule by British-American comedian John Oliver. Oliver used Dwight Howard’s trade saga in the NBA to discuss the trade war and tariff impacts on American agriculture workers.
Advertisement
Five years ago, in 2018, Dwight Howard was ridiculed for being traded frequently. After two brief one-season stints with the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets, Howard arrived as a freshly recruited center for the Washington Wizards. This made him a subject of constant ridicule, with even John Oliver not missing the opportunity to make jabs at the former NBA center.
John Oliver used Dwight Howard as a subject of ridicule to explain trade war and tariff impacts
John Oliver, known for his great humor and wit, did not fail to overlook Dwight Howard’s constant trades from different NBA franchises. He used the former NBA center as an example of an educational lesson for his audiences. And within moments, his jab toward Howard became a viral sensation within the NBA community.
In a 2018 episode of HBO’s Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, the talk show host remarked:
“Our main story tonight concerns trade: the basic system of barter and exchange that you have to do really carefully, or you’ll end up with Dwight Howard.”
Oliver’s much witty remark explained the trade war situation that the United States faced with China. Through this analogy, Howard tried to simplify the situation on a much more humorous and lighter note for even the unwary to understand. He further added:
“Seriously, parents. Talk to your children about trade. You don’t want [them] to go to school with a pizza Lunchables and coming home with a Dwight Howard. … You think he’s going to add a three-point shot to his game now, kid? Grow up.”
Dwight Howard has had a prolific career, having played for ten teams throughout the years. He is currently signed with the Taoyuan Leopards in the Taiwanese T1 league. His notable achievements include his eight-season tenure with the Orlando Magic and brief one-season stints with the Los Angeles Lakers. In addition to his professional journey, Howard has expressed a desire for top young prospects like Bronny James to join him in Taiwan.
Howard wants Bronny James to play with him in Taiwan
In his drive to recruit players to Taiwan, Dwight Howard also invited Bronny James to join him. Following the 2023 Playoffs, Howard has been openly recruiting older players, including LeBron James, who have not been in their best form in the post-season.
In an interview clip posted by The Score on Instagram, Howard hilariously remarked, “Bronny James can come too!” joining him and LeBron to play in Taiwan. Notably, none of the personalities have yet paid heed to Howard’s open invite to play alongside him in Taiwan’s top-tier league.
