“I questioned if I even wanted to play basketball again”- Dwight Howard says not being on NBA’s 75th Anniversary team was ‘total disrespect’
As one of the best centers in the NBA ever, Dwight Howard, being named to the 75th Anniversary team should be automatic. However, that wasn't the case as the league revealed the list last season, and Howard wasn't included.
In an episode of Shannon Sharpe's "Club Shay Shay," Dwight Howard finally talked about his true feelings about being left out of the 75th Anniversary team. Most people argued that his off-court shenanigans cost him a chance of making it to the team. Howard, on the other hand, doesn't agree with that take.
The eight-time All-Star is aware of his contribution to the league, as well as his accomplishments throughout the years. He said this during the show:
"I was very upset, I questioned if I even wanted to play basketball again. Like what am I doing this for? It was total disrespect. I felt like I've been a great ambassador for the NBA and the game, globally.
"How can someone say I didn't take the game serious when the stuff that you're mentioning, three-time Defensive Player of the Year. I had to take defense seriously enough to win it three times in a row. I actually should've won in four times in a row."
.@DwightHoward on not being named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team:
“I was very upset, I questioned if I even wanted to play basketball again. Like what am I doing this for? It was total disrespect.” https://t.co/ulxFKLYsyk
Back in Howard's prime, he was a problem in the paint. On both sides of the floor, the eight-time All-NBA made his presence felt. With the Orlando Magic, Howard averaged 18.4 points, 13 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. With those numbers, he was named to the All-Star team for six consecutive seasons.
18-year-old Dwight Howard made his NBA debut 16 years ago today: 12 PTS, 10 REB, 4 BLK, 3 STL
Some of his best highlights with the Orlando Magic
https://t.co/2Ou476bU2m
Interestingly, he's the only player in NBA history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award for three straight seasons. Dwight Howard missed out on winning it for the fourth time in the 2011-12 season even though he made the All-Defensive First Team.
Aside from Dwight Howard, who are other NBA stars that were snubbed for the 75th Anniversary team?
The 75th Anniversary team didn't please everyone when the league announced the players who made it. Dwight Howard wasn't the only player who was snubbed. Here are a few that didn't make the cut:
Yao Ming
Although not the best center, Yao Ming was still a problem during his playing days. The 7-foot-6 center wasn't the easiest opponent, even for players like Dwight Howard.
But as amazing as he was on the court, he made the NBA global by being an ambassador for China off the court.
Vince Carter
"Vinsanity" took over the league by storm when he arrived in Toronto in 1999. Vince Carter inspired an entire generation of hoopers, even igniting a movement for Canadian basketball players.
The ageless one should be on the list, not just for his dunks, but for being an inspiration.
Tony Parker
Tony Parker is one-third of the most winningest trio in NBA history, but it still baffles people that he didn't make the cut for the anniversary team. He's an international player who has achieved a ton of success in the league despite being a late first-round pick.
ON)Celebrating #Spurs50 with a special #TrickShotoftheDay every day for 50 days! No. 48: Tony Parker appears to be trapped -- until he isn't. (🔊 ON) https://t.co/IsgMHraOer
The San Antonio Spurs wouldn't be the same if it weren't for the French point guard.