Houston Rockets: Big Welcome Set For Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard will officially be introduced as a Houston Rocket on Saturday.  Not only will Howard take part in a customary press conference, but he will also come face-to-face with a contingent of Rockets fans and legends.

The Rockets announced Friday that they will hold a public rally at Memorial Square Park across the street from Toyota Center with the new free agent center as the guest of honor.

Howard will be inducted in the elite club of Rockets centers, a group that includes Elvin Hayes, Moses Malone, Ralph Sampson, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Yao Ming.  Each will be there to welcome Howard into the club, and it will mark the first time that all the greats will be together at the same time.

Howard has stated that he was very moved when Olajuwon and Yao talked to him during the Rockets’ pitch, believing that he belonged in their proud group of legendary centers, the complete contrast from what he was dealing with in Los Angeles.

Howard also said that a part of his decision was that he felt very comfortable with the current players, who will be represented by Chandler Parsons, Patrick Beverley, and Greg Smith at the press conference.

Saturday will be one of the most exciting days in Rockets history, and Houston is ready to begin celebrating.  Howard will officially hold up a Rockets jersey, symbolizing a hope and expectation for a franchise who has won just one playoff series since 1998.