Dwight Howard might play in China during the lockout: NBA Update
Ever since the NBA locked out, more and more players have been considering taking their talents overseas. Deron Williams started the superstar rush. Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and Amare’ Stoudemire have shown interest lately and
now another huge name has surfaced in the exodus spree.
His name is Dwight Howard - the 6 ft 11 in Orlando Magic centre, who has been NBA’s best post scorer and rebounder in the last five years.
However, while other superstar and not so super stars have been inclined to try out the lucrative European League, Howards is intent on following his own path and as such, he is looking to play in China.
Howard, who is on a tour of Spain nowadays, said in an interview, "I'd have to think [about Europe] seriously, but it's not a decision that should be made in a rush. I think China has more options. I've thought about it a little
bit, but not in depth. The big issue is the potential of injury."
Howard has been a sensation ever since he first graced the courts of NBA as the first overall pick of the 2004 draft. He has established himself as one of the most feared defenders, a perennial All-Star and the face of Orlando
Magic. He has won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year three times in a row and is presently at the peak of his career. The burly centre played 78 games in the previous regular-season and scored at an average of 22.9 points per game, which is way above than
his career average (18.2 ppg).
In the 2011 playoffs, Orlando only played six games, with Dwight racking an average of 27 points per game.
Over the years, Howard has earned tons of accolades from across the globe when it comes to China; he is treated like a rock-star. After Chinese legend Yao Ming and Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant, Howard is most probably the most
revered NBA superstar in China.
And now it’s time for Howard to cash his fame in China. Besides getting a loaded contract, Dwight can earn more from endorsements in China. Although, Howard will earn nearly $17.8 million this season, as per his contract with the
Magic, however, rather than staying home and doing nothing during the lockout, it would be better for Dwight to bewitch China and have a piece of that market.
The players union and franchise owners are currently going nowhere with their negotiations and that makes easier for Howard to explore various options.
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