Washington Wizards veteran big man Dwight Howard finally returned to full practice activities on Monday. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year missed the team's preseason games due to a butt injury.
Dwight Howard participated in the full practice today
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) October 15, 2018
Howard return's is a welcome sight for the Wizards. While he will be taking some time to adjust with the system of his new team, it took him no time to return to his usual comic form.
Per Fred Katz of The Athletic:
Dr. Dwight Howard describes the science behind his pririformis muscle squeezing the nerve in his butt, then hits us with a strong pun game: “Basically, I was getting on my own nerves the last couple of weeks, and it was kicking my ass.” pic.twitter.com/Mpw0IUs0Sm
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) October 15, 2018
The Wizards signed Howard this summer in order to acquire a more impactful big man than the departed Marcin Gortat. Howard may not be a superstar anymore, but he sure can put up consistent double-double numbers each game.
Howard was impressive last year for the Charlotte Hornets. An average of 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds per game isn't too shabby for a player many people have already thought of as a washed-up big man.
Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld heaped praise on the 32-year-old center when he signed:
“Dwight has been known throughout his career as one of the league’s best defenders, rebounders and finishers around the rim, all areas that we needed to improve heading into next season,” said Grunfeld. “His inside presence and athleticism will give us a much different look and will open up opportunities for us on both ends of the floor.”
Howard will give the Wizards a solid interior presence on the floor, something that has been inconsistent for the team through the years. The Wizards also snagged forward Jeff Green in free agency, giving the team a stellar 1-2 punch on their frontcourt.
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