The Dwight Howard era with the Washington Wizards is not off to a good start.
Howard didn't play at all during the preseason due to a back/piriformis injury, and he hasn't suited up in the regular season either.
The former All-NBA center will not travel with the team on their upcoming five-game road trip. Howard will likely continue rehab work in D.C.
Dwight Howard did NOT travel with the team on its five-game road trip
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) October 22, 2018
Dwight Howard signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Wizards in the offseason after getting traded by the Charlotte Hornets to the Brooklyn Nets, and then reaching a buyout agreement with the Nets. Washington traded Marcin Gortat to the Los Angeles Clippers for guard Austin Rivers, and was in need of a starting big man.
Last season with the Hornets, Howard averaged 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds while shooting 55.5 percent from the field in 81 regular-season games. It was Howard’s highest scoring average since the 2013-14 season, when he posted 18.3 points per game with the Houston Rockets.
It's a long NBA season, and the Wizards prefer to have Dwight Howard healthy later in the year. However, it's still concerning that the eight-time All-Star is in pain. Howard underwent back surgery in 2013. While the doctors said his back is not the issue at the moment, it's still an ailment that can resurface at any moment.
The Wizards have started the season 0-2 with losses to the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors. Ian Mahinmi has been starting in Howard's place. Washington starts its road trip Monday in Portland.
Follow Us
Subscribe