5 stars you forgot played for the Washington Wizards
By Cem Yolbulan
Dwight Howard
After losing in the First Round of the 2018 Eastern Conference Playoffs to the Toronto Raptors, the Washington Wizards signed Dwight Howard in free agency. Following two disappointing seasons with the Atlanta Hawks and the Charlotte Hornets, Howard was trying to revive his career and build a dangerous trio with John Wall and Bradley Beal. However, things didn’t go according to the plan for the 8-time All-Star and 3-time Defensive Player of the Year.
After playing 81 out of 82 games the previous season, Howard’s time in Washington was less fortunate. He missed all of training camp and the start of the season before playing in nine games in November for the Wiz. In these nine games, Howard averaged 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds in 26 minutes. These were the only games he would suit up for in Washington.
He suffered from back and hamstring injuries and had to go through spinal surgery. At the end of the season, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies who waived him before he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Fortunately for Howard, his stint with the Lakers was much more successful as he played a crucial role in the Lakers’ championship run in 2020.
Career-wise, Dwight Howard may have been one of the highest-profile players to ever wear a Wizards uniform. However, when thinking about his first-ballot Hall-of-Fame career, his time in Washington will surely be forgotten. He will forever rank high in the “What could have been?” lists for Wizards fans.
