‘Ben Simmons is a young LeBron James’: Former Lakers center Dwight Howard heaps praise on Sixers teammate

New Philadephia 76ers center Dwight Howard arrived in Philly on Monday and made all the right noises.

The Sixers signed Dwight Howard as the backup center to Joel Embiid. Dwight arrived in Philadelphia earlier this week, on Monday. His first official interaction with the media as a Sixer came on Wednesday.

Also Read: “Stephen Curry’s game is not trending in the right direction: Andre Iguodala”

Dwight said his decision to go to the Sixers was influenced by the idea of playing for Doc Rivers. The Sixers traded Al Horford on draft night and wanted a backup center, and that is where Howard comes into the picture.

As soon as free agency began, Doc Rivers was the first one to call Howard. He told Dwight that he wants him in Philly, and soon Daryl Morey called for the same. Dwight appreciated this gesture and hence chose the Sixers.

Dwight Howards believes Ben Simmons is a younger LeBron James

In his first interaction, Dwight talked about a lot of things. He compared his future teammate Ben Simmons to his former teammate LeBron James.

Also Read: “James Harden cannot beat the Lakers: Stephen A. Smith”

While both the players are elite Point Forwards and have incredible basketball IQ, Ben would have to improve his jump shot if he wants to live up to the comparison.

Dwight Howard shares what he expects to achieve in Philadelphia

Dwight Howard’s main focus was talking about winning a championship and what it takes.

“Winning the championship was everything, and it made me realize I could have the best stats in the world and it don’t mean nothing. Because here it was, I won a championship and there was games where I didn’t score a bucket, or get a field goal, or get minutes in a game. What really matters is just holding up that trophy.”

Also Read: “Michael Jordan donates $2million to Feeding America”

“That would be my message to everybody on the team: What are you willing to give up to get that trophy? Sometimes you got to give up everything. Sometimes your role and what’s required of you [is] to give up the things you want to do the most.”

“For me, I would have loved to be the guy to score all the points and rebounds, but my team needed me for a specific purpose, and that was to provide the spirit and energy on and off the court.”

From his words, it is clear that Dwight, who won his first ring not long ago, is willing to do whatever it takes to get that feeling again.