Houston Rockets: Dwight Howard Happy yet Struggles with Rockets Success

Two years removed from his career in Houston, Dwight Howard says he doesn’t know if he can watch the Rockets win a title.

It has been a season to remember for the Houston Rockets. After setting a franchise record for most wins in a single season and likely holding the 2018 MVP in James Harden, the Rockets have moved one-step closer to their ultimate goal after eliminating the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semi-finals.

As the Rockets prepare to take on their arch-rivals in the Western Conference Finals, everyone is giving Houston a great chance to dethrone the mighty Golden State Warriors. Everyone including, Dwight Howard.

The former Rockets’ All-Star center appeared on ESPN’s Get Up Tuesday morning to talk about his career and his thoughts on the 2018 NBA playoffs. According to the Houston Chronicle’s Matt Young, Howard gave his opinion on why the Rockets will dethrone the defending champs.

I think because of (Harden) alone, they have a chance. Then you add a guy like Chris Paul and you’ve got Trevor Ariza, they’ve got a great bench now. They’ve got really good wing defenders and I think that’s going to be the key. You gotta have someone who’s big and strong enough to handle Kevin Durant. You’re not going to stop him. He’s still going to score, but they have multiple guys that can step up and guard Kevin Durant.

While expressing nothing but pure joy and happiness for Houston’s success, D12 mentioned that he would not be able to watch his former team if they win a championship in June.

I would just say for James (Harden) and his crew, this is their moment. I don’t know if I can watch them win a championship, but this is their moment. They’ve been playing great all year. Chris Paul, James, Clint Capela has had an amazing year. That whole team. Trevor (Ariza). You’ve got Joe Johnson. You’ve got Mike D’Antoni. I’m happy for him. It’s going to be a tough, tough series, but I think if they play 48 minutes every night, they can win.

Howard spent three years in Houston where he averaged 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks for the Rockets, before signing with the Atlanta Hawks during the summer of 2016. Since leaving the Rockets, Howard has yet to return to the All-Star form that made him the league’s best center.

After only playing one season in his hometown, the Hawks traded Howard to the Charlotte Hornets, where he would re-establish himself as one of the most respectable centers in the league.

Next: The Rockets advance to the Western Conference Finals

Despite not making the playoffs, Howard had one of his most successful seasons in his post-Orlando years, averaging 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds in 81 games.