I knew politics was the reason, I wasn’t going to be on the list”: Dwight Howard talks about being snubbed from the NBA’s 75th-anniversary team, and how he’s unaffected by it

Arjun Julka | 10/11/2021
I knew politics was the reason, I wasn't going to be on the list": Dwight Howard talks about being snubbed from the NBA's 75th-anniversary team, and how he's unaffected by it

In a conversation with Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks, Dwight Howard talks about not being part of the NBA’s 75th-anniversary team. The Lakers veteran cites politics as a reason but remains unaffected by the snub.

In what many believe, Dwight Howard had the potential of being an all-time great. However, things didn’t go as planned, with injuries robbing him of his athleticism. His career involved several controversies, including those with Lakers legends Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.

The eight-time All-Star suddenly became a villain in the league, with several false narratives circulated about him. Howard didn’t enjoy a great relationship with his peers, making matters worse for him. The three-time DPOY  got traded almost every season.

Nonetheless, Howard didn’t let his naysayers hang his basketball boots. It was during the 2019-20 season, the Lakers big man proved his mettle. Howard played a key role in securing the LA Lakers a championship in the Orlando Bubble.

Also read: ‘Kevin Love is better than 99% of the power forwards on NBA 75th Anniversary Team’: JJ Redick was shocked at Dwight Howard and Klay Thompson’s exclusion from NBA 75

In a recent conversation with Taylor Rooks, Howard would discuss how he felt about not being part of the league’s coveted 75th-anniversary team.

Dwight Howard addresses not being part of the NBA’s   75th-anniversary team.

The NBA’s list of 75 players has raised several questions, with some deserving players not being part of the list. There were several snubs. However, one name that was a regular in the topic of the biggest snubs was Dwight Howard.

Howard’s resume speaks for itself, an NBA champion, eight All-Star selections, eight All-NBA selections, three-time DPOY, five All-NBA defensive teams, and the iconic slam dunk contest winner. Some of his other accolades are a multiple-time leader in blocks and rebounds.

Thus when asked about not being part of the 75th-anniversary team, Howard said the following.

“I knew I wasn’t going to be on it, said the 35-year old.” When asked to explain, he said, “Politics, I already knew, I knew as soon as they made the 75 list they aren’t gonna put me on it, forget about it.” Though Howard definitely agreed he should be on the list.

“It is so okay, I am not upset about it. I was for probably 30 seconds, but I said you know what life is great, I’m alive. I am still playing basketball in my 18th season, who cares about a list made by people who have never bounced a basketball, who cares”

Also read: “Damn Steve Nash, I am wide open!!”: When Lakers superstar Dwight Howard shouted at his teammate and current Nets coach for not passing to him on 2012-13 Lakers squad

Though Howard had such an optimistic attitude about the whole scenario, it is disappointing to see such a great talent go unnoticed.

 

Post Edited By: Arjun Julka
Dwight Howard LA Lakers NBA 75th anniversary Taylor Rooks

About the author

Arjun Julka

Arjun Julka is a NBA author at The SportsRush. Basketball isn’t just a sport for this 26-year-old, who hails from Mumbai. He began watching the sport after stumbling upon a court in his society, helping him identify an undiscovered passion for the game of hoops. Now an ardent fan, Arjun supports Stephen Curry and the Warriors but also enjoys watching Giannis Antetokounmpo own the paint. When it comes to the GOAT debate, the TSR author feels LeBron James is yet to receive a lot of his due but cannot deny marveling at Michael Jordan’s resume.

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