Citing Gregg Popovich’s 13YO Take, Dwight Howard Supports Noah Lyles, Going Against Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and Other NBA Stars

The NBA world has been split in its reaction to Noah Lyles’ infamous statements. The 26-year-old track and field athlete passed an uncanny comment about the NBA that enraged several NBA superstars. From Kevin Durant to Austin Rivers, players did not seem pleased with Lyles’ comments. However, seems like the sprinter found an advocate in Dwight Howard.

Dwight Howard has been in the news lately for various controversial statements. Be it calling NBA stars to Taiwan to join him or taking digs at NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal, the 37-year-old has not held himself back. Now, he made another such move, lending his support to a controversial statement from Lyles. However he dragged San Antonio Spurs coach, Gregg Popovich into the conversation for this move of his.

Dwight Howard turns back the clock in support of Lyles

Dwight Howard has not shied away from expressing his opinions his whole career. However, these opinions have drastically varied from the rest of the league lately. His support of Lyles’ comment too, is similar.

In his infamous statement, Lyles said “I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have world champion on their heads. World champion of what? The United States?” Turns out, Gregg Popovich said something very similar 13 years ago. Howard shed light on this very comment to show support for the 26-year-old.

Howard put up a post quoting Popovich’s comments in 2010 on his Instagram story. Although he did not caption the story, the quote pretty much spoke for itself. In the quote, coach Pop said “It doesn’t make sense for an NBA team to call themselves World Champions. I don’t remember anybody playing anybody outside our borders to get that tag.”

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The legendary coach seemed convinced of the same idea Lyles was. In fact, Pop had this opinion 13 years ago, much before Lyles put forth his discomfort with the “world champions” tag. However, while Pop got away with his statement, Lyles received a barrage of disgruntled responses from the NBA world. However, he also received the support of other athletes, now including “Superman”, Dwight Howard.

Lyles started a wild debate among sports stars

The NBA world did not seem pleased with the 26-year-old’s “World champion of what? The United States?” comment. The NBA being the greatest league for basketball in the world, the title can be justified. Hence, Lyles’ comments did not sit right with NBA stars, including the Phoenix Suns forward, Kevin Durant and Portland Trail Blazers star, Damian Lillard.

Kevin Durant commented on a post that showed Lyles’ statement, saying “Somebody help this brother”. Lillard too, joined The Slim Reaper in this attack on the 26-year-old. In fact, it also drew a comment from the 5-time Grammy Award winner, Drake. However, some athletes shared Lyles’ opinion and expressed their support for the track and field athlete. 23-year-old track and field sensation, Sha’Carri Richardson took to X to support her teammate for his comments. Lyles also received love from NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho and former NFL quarterback, Robert Griffin III.

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Sports stars clearly seem to have contrasting opinions on Lyles’ actions. While NBA players condemned his statement, other sports stars have backed his opinion. Although their debate may not change the NBA’s tag of “World Champions” for teams that win the coveted NBA championship, the sports stars have had their say on the issue.