After stating that he would be back in Los Angeles with the Lakers, Dwight Howard came to Philadelphia in an unforeseen move to be the backup to Joel Embiid.
In Howard’s first year in Philly, Joel Embiid had an MVP campaign and that should not be forgotten. Dwight Howard embraced the mentor role with the Sixers and is at a point in his career where he can sit back, help when needed, and mentor young players, like Embiid.
Not only was Howard the mentor Embiid may have needed, but he also acted as the most competent backup the Sixers have had around Embiid. The fact that Embiid knew he had someone behind him that could pick him up while he’s resting allowed Embiid to leave it all out on the floor.
Howard, an 8-time all-star, 3-time defensive player of the year, and one of the league’s most dominant big men of all time gave the team something they were lacking post-process, a personality.
Dwight Howard acted as the SIxers voice this season. During timeouts, it was not uncommon to see Dwight Howard in the huddle even if he was not in the game. Howard also led the league in technical fouls this year with 18. While this proved to be a little bit irritating at times, it gave the Sixers the edge that they were missing.
With Howard mostly working with the bench unit including younger players like Matisse Thybulle, Tyrese Maxey, and fellow free agent to be Furkan Korkmaz, it was Dwight Howard who would act as the coach on the floor.
On top of all that, only Joel Embiid was more of a fan favorite than Howard. Howard was the poster child for the beloved Frosty Freeze Out and could be seen running, jumping around, and celebrating when an opposing player missed their free throws in the second half.
No one loves the Frosty Freeze Out more than Dwight Howard…
(via @DwightHoward) pic.twitter.com/0VXUCosuzo
— Barstool Philly (@BarstoolPhilly) June 9, 2021
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FROSTY TIME! @DwightHoward, how we feelin’? pic.twitter.com/7v03yUgAGe
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 17, 2021
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There is no question that if Dwight Howard is in the NBA next year, that he should be dawning a Sixers uniform. Howard proved to be a key piece in the Sixers’ success this past season and his presence off the court should not be taken lightly.
Photo via Philadelphia Inquirer – Charles Fox
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