Dwight Howard poses in his new Atlanta Hawks number 8 jersey. (Photo : Getty Images / Scott Cunningham)
Newly-acquired Atlanta Hawk Dwight Howard believes that his back problems will not affect him for the remainder of his career. Howard previously missed half a season with Houston prior to missing 11 games last year, mostly due to back injuries.
Howard underwent back surgery in 2012 and has not looked like the same dominant player that once led the 2009 Orlando Magic into the NBA Finals. After averaging 20.6 points and a season-high 14.5 rebounds in his last season with Orlando (2011-12; prior to his surgery), those numbers dipped to 13.7 points (his lowest since his rookie season) and 11.8 rebounds last season in Houston, where they almost missed the playoffs. Howard though believes that his surgically-repaired back will hold up as he looks to start and end his career with his hometown Hawks.
When asked by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he answered in a straightforward manner, "My back hasn't been an issue and I don't think I'll ever have an issue out of my back for the rest of my career." The Hawks would look forward to an injury-free full season with Howard to that since they primarily acquired him for his rebounding and rim-protection, of which he can still be elite. Howard is set to replace former All-Star forward-center Al Horford, who recently signed on with the conference rival Boston Celtics.
Howard believes his transfer to Atlanta comes at a perfect time in his career. In an interview with Dan Patrick on the Dan Patrick Show, he noted that he's in a "different space physically, mentally, and spiritually" while stating that the Hawks as a team is in a different position as well.
Howard was signed by the Hawks for three years, $70.5 million. He will now wear the jersey number "8" which he says is symbolic of a new beginning. In coach Mike Budenholzer's offense which highlights movement and ball-sharing, there is a renewed hope among Hawks fans that Howard will regain his scoring ability and have a bigger role on offense, while being asked to anchor their defense.
Here's a video of Howard being interviewed by Dan Patrick:
