Washington Wizards: Ex-Teammate Says Howard Was Not a Locker Room Cancer

According to one teammate in Charlotte, Kemba Walkers says Dwight Howard was not a locker room cancer with the Hornets.

At the start of the 2018-19 NBA season, the Washington Wizards will be Dwight Howard‘s fourth team over the past four years. Despite showcasing the talents that made him one of the best big men of his generation, one reason that made it hard for teams to keep Howard around was his actions off the court.

From the feud with Kobe Bryant in Los Angles to members of the Hawks who celebrated after receiving news of his trade in Atlanta, it seems as if every team and player has had a problem with Howard at each of his last four stops.

When news broke that the Charlotte Hornets traded Howard to the Brooklyn Nets after one season, everyone automatically assumed D12’s history as a locker room cancer was the reason for his departure.

However, according to Kristian Winfield of SB Nation, ex-teammate and Hornets All-Star point guard, Kemba Walker stepped up to defend the big fella stating he was not a bad guy in the locker room and enjoyed his time playing with the future Hall-of-Famer.

"“It was cool man. I’ve always been a huge fan of Dwight,” he told media after his appearance at the NBPA’s second annual youth summer basketball camp at Basketball City. “He’s always been one of the guys who I’ve always wanted to play with. Growing up, Dwight was a beast. It was good. Unfortunately it didn’t work out. Sometimes teams don’t do well. That’s just the nature of the game. I played with plenty of other guys who came to the team. It just didn’t work out. For the one season we had, it was fun.”"

After joining the Wizards following a buyout from the Nets, many basketball analysts wondered how Howard will fit in Washington. Despite what the naysayers may have said about his decision to sign in Washington, Walker believes the eight-time all-star is a perfect fit for the Wizards.

"“John is a helluva player. one of the best passers in our league. I think he’s gonna open up so many opportunities for Dwight. I think Dwight’s gonna help those guys as well. It’s gonna be fun to watch. They have so many dynamic players on the team between John and [Bradley Beal]. It’s gonna open up so much for Dwight so it’ll be good for him.”"

Despite failing to make the playoffs, last season was a resurgent year for the former star. Appearing in 81 games for the Hornets, Howard averaged 16.6 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.