Dwight Howard has been exploring avenues to make a comeback into the NBA, a bit desperately that too. He often plugs his name in conversations about different teams on social media to shoot his shot. However, when he recently met his good friend and ex-teammate JJ Redick, he seemed to have put his usual motive aside and gave the new Lakers coach a shoutout.
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Howard posted a short video of their meeting on X. The 38-year-old captioned the post with a trip back in time to the days when they were young hoopers.
It turns out JJ tried to recruit Howard to Duke in 2004. But the 6’10 center opted to get drafted in the NBA instead, skipping college. He was picked by Orlando Magic.
Howard also mentioned he eventually became Redick’s teammate in Orlando, and, they faced the Lakers in the 2009 Finals.
Howard wrote, “Good seeing you JJ. Talking to you brought back flashbacks of when you told me to come to Duke with you and next thing you know we were competing in the finals against the lakers now you’re the coach. I’m proud of you good luck this season.”
Good seeing you JJ 💪🏾Talking to you brought back flashbacks of when you told me to come to Duke with you and next thing you know we were competing in the finals against the lakers 😮💨 now you’re the coach 🙌🏾 I’m proud of you good luck this season 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/fnIPwpqmz8
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) October 20, 2024
After a successful high school tenure, Redick was a five-star recruit and one of the most popular athletes in the country. In 2002, he joined Duke and became arguably the most electrifying Duke Blue Devil of his era. Redick’s talent was undeniable during college.
Howard, on the other hand, was drafted as the first pick by Orlando, starting an NBA career that saw him become an eight-time All-Star.
Howard predicted Redick’s Lakers HC appointment
After Darvin Ham was fired by the Lakers earlier this year, there were several big names in contention for the head coach position. With names like Dan Hurley and Sam Cassell mentioned as frontrunners, not many thought Redick, who doesn’t have any prior coaching experience, would be chosen.
Howard vouched for his ex-teammate to get the job in LA several times on his podcast. On an episode, he detailed why Redick would be the right man, saying, “JJ Redick could be the new Pat Riley, starting off young, fresh with the hottest team in the NBA. JJ’s smart. He’s got the Duke pedigree.”
He claimed that Redick is one of the sharpest minds in the game and he’ll do great if he is offered that position. On June 24th, 2024, Redick became the 29th head coach of the NBA’s most celebrated franchise.
Howard’s fortunes in the game have been dwindling. The past two years, he has been plying his trade in Taiwan, playing for the Taoyuan Leopards in the T1 League.
