Not doing much for his legacy

Dwight Howard has not done much for his reputation over the last few years. With the drama that was his last season in Orlando, followed by basically getting Stan Van Gundy fired, and then forcing a trade to LA, Howard went from being an NBA favorite to a mercurial villain. While he didn't garner as much dislike as Lebron James did when he left Cleveland, there was a lot of love lost for one of the most dominate big men in the game right now. This week, Dwight Howard continued to dig himself into a deeper hole.

With his first visit to Orlando since jumping ship in the off-season looming, Dwight Howard made some questionable comments about his former teammates. While speaking with a Los Angeles based news source, Howard stated, “My team in Orlando was a team full of people who nobody wanted, and I was the leader, and I led that team with a smile on my face.” While Howard went on to say that he meant that the team was a perpetual underdog, his former teammates have not taken his comments as endearing.

Newly acquired Milwaukee Buck J.J. Redick said, “I would be more surprised when Dwight starts taking responsibility. That would be the most negative thing I can say, but that’s the truth,” in regards to Howard's statements. Former All-Star teammates Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis were also not pleased. Nelson has said that Howard’s comments were “disrespectful,” while Lewis stated, “Hell, look at those (conference and division) banners hanging in the stands. They don’t say Dwight Howard on them…”

During his time in Orlando, Howard led the Magic to multiple Eastern Conference Championships and one finals appearance where they went on to lose to the Lakers. Since injuring his back last season, Dwight has not been the same dominate player he’s been in the past. The Lakers are currently under .500, and vying for a final spot into the playoffs. Howard and teammate Kobe Bryant have also had public clashes throughout the season.

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