Dwight Howard is one of the best NBA players of all time.
During his 18-year career, Howard had a brief stop with the Charlotte Hornets (2017-18).
At that point, he was still a good player, but no longer the superstar he was with the Orlando Magic.
Recently, Howard sent out a message (via X) revealing what Michael Jordan told him when he joined the team.
Howard wrote: βItβs like when I went to Charlotte and Jordan told me to stay the old Dwight π€·πΎββοΈβ
Facts are like when I went to Charlotte and Jordan told me to stay the old Dwight π€·πΎββοΈ pic.twitter.com/rAd4gyfeAV
β Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) August 25, 2024
That year with Charlotte, Howard averaged 16.6 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 55.5 percent from the field in 81 games.
He was able to play more games than he did in seven seasons (and put up good stats).
Dwight Howard posts a season-high 29 PTS with 12 REB and a career-high 7 AST to lead the @hornets their fourth win in their last five games!#BuzzCity pic.twitter.com/OeU88WMNcU
β NBA (@NBA) December 30, 2017
That said, the Hornets were not a good team despite having Howard and star point guard Kemba Walker.
They finished tenth in the Eastern Conference with a 36-46 record (and missed the playoffs).
After his lone season in Charlotte, the Hornets traded Howard to the Brooklyn Nets (who waived him).
Via The Hornets on July 6, 2018: “OFFICIAL: The Hornets have acquired Timofey Mozgov, two second-round draft picks and cash considerations from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dwight Howard.”
OFFICIAL: The Hornets have acquired Timofey Mozgov, two second-round draft picks and cash considerations from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dwight Howard.
β https://t.co/UXXp6GMbrt pic.twitter.com/jEgyn48nuW
β Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 6, 2018
Charlotte was the last time Howard was considered a star, but he went on to have extremely productive careers with the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers as a role player.
During the 2020 season, Howard helped the Lakers win the NBA championship.