Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Washington Wizards: Rumors of Dwight Howard locker room issues greatly exaggerated

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON - May 26: Ted Leonsis of the Washington Mystics speaks to the media before a game against the Minnesota Lynx during an Analytic Scrimmage at the Verizon Center on May 26, 2015 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON - May 26: Ted Leonsis of the Washington Mystics speaks to the media before a game against the Minnesota Lynx during an Analytic Scrimmage at the Verizon Center on May 26, 2015 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 19: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets fouls Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 19, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Hornets 108-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 19: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets fouls Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 19, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Hornets 108-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Wizards owner believes in Howard

Now that Howard is in Washington, he got another endorsement from Wizards’ majority owner Ted Leonsis.

Since the Nets bought out Howard’s contract, after he was traded to Brooklyn, the Wizards were able to offer the mid-level exception. The two-year $11 million contract, is more a one-and-one because the second year is a player option.

Either way, Leonsis believes that they got a quality player at a very decent price. Regarding Howard’s reputation:

"“I think that’s a media-generated issue. I don’t think it’s a basketball-related issue,” Leonsis said about Howard. “He could’ve signed in many, many places, and really it all comes down to the salary cap. Dwight is paid like a max player. We’re paying him the mid-level exception. He will be a great addition to the team, he wants to be here, and his skill set is what we needed: someone who could run, play defense and rebound. And he’s at the time of his career right now where he’s been paid a lot of money; he’s still getting paid max money [with] the buyout and what we’re paying him. … So, at that price, I think he was the greatest addition we could add at that position.”"

Pause. Leonsis noted Howard’s reputation is “media-generated“.  When I read that statement, I thought here’s an owner not only defending his new player before he even steps into the locker room, but is keenly aware of what the press is saying.

I am going to put in my two-cents. Whether or not Howard had any issues in the past, Mr. Aldridge covered that in detail, this is a new chapter.

Once Leonsis said that, it was almost reminiscent of how Markieff Morris threw Al Horford into Leonsis lap during the Boston Series in 2017.

It was tag-team, because it looked like Leonsis was going to throw Horford back, so Keef could go another round (just kidding).

Continuing with my two cents. There are those who believe that the Wizards are a better team than last year.

So to downplay the Wizards’ offseason achievement, some are arguing: even if Washington is good, Howard’s attitude is going to erase any gains.

In other words, even if the Wizards explode onto the scene in 2018-19, Howard is going to implode the team. Leonsis isn’t buying what the media is selling.

The outside noise is not going to creep its way into the Wizards’ locker room. As leaders, John Wall and Bradley Beal will be guards on the court and gatekeepers off of it.

Leonsis notes, that this is the “deepest bench” the Wizards have ever had. He also gave this offseason an “A” for both the Wizards and the champion Washington Capitals.

David Aldridge detailed Howard’s travels in the NBA and the friends he made along the way. Now that he’s in Washington, Aldridge is correct. This is a new chapter for both Howard and the Wizards.

There will be some who will keep harping on Howard’s past to make stealth attacks against Washington.

I’m hesitant to write this, but there may be some who want Howard to have locker room issues, so that the Wizards won’t be as good as they can be next season.

But the owner has his back, the team has his back, he has fans around the world, and most importantly Aldridge noted, he brought his family with him.

Washington didn’t place Howard in a position to set him up for failure, but rather success.

Howard will write his next chapter. Aldridge will record it, as he is the NBA’s historian. Spectators please enjoy the ride.

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