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Former Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard returned to the media spotlight after a while. Though he spent much of the previous playoffs trying to recruit players to Taiwan, where he is playing, the off-season changed things. Over the past few days, the player was rumored to be joining the Golden State Warriors for the upcoming NBA season. After a two-day meeting with the management and a 6AM practice session with Chris Paul and Draymond Green, the deal unfortunately fell through.

In the aftermath, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith shared some strong words with the 6’11 big. And it seems that Howard is taking them to heart.

Dwight Howard builds himself up- “Imma go get it”

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A few hours ago, Dwight Howard shared a reel with his 3.4 million Instagram followers. Featuring a few archive clips, the video started off with a voiceover by Stephen A. Smith. Highlighting his performance as a three-time DPOY and his entry into the 2009 NBA Finals, Smith wanted to know why Howard doesn’t believe in his own abilities.

?Why in the hell would somebody, who can play, got the body of Adonis, block shots like anything, sit up there and cut yourself short,? said Smith during his monologue.

USA Today via Reuters

The video then transitioned to Dwight Howard. It seems he didn’t want people to see him as someone who is cutting his own potential down. Dunking the basketball and engaging in a treadmill routine, the 2020 NBA champion could be seen building himself up and displaying his prowess for everyone.

READ MORE: Ahead of Probable NBA Comeback, Dwight Howard Spotted Sweating It Out With Warriors Stars

He practiced alongside a couple of teammates and seemed to be unstoppable, hardly taking a break. The Orlando Magic legend wrote a caption that read ?@stephenasmith YOU?RE RIGHT! Imma Go Get IT.?

 

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A post shared by Dwight Howard (@dwighthoward)

While several fans of Superman were hoping to see him back in the big leagues, Smith didn’t want Howard to get down on himself.

Stephen A. Smith’s words of encouragement

Dwight Howard?s intense training reel came only a few hours after Stephen A. Smith discussed the player on his show.

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The 55-year-old kicked things off by discussing how Howard is being considered for a position with the Golden State Warriors. As the deal hadn?t allegedly faltered by that time, Smith was optimistic that Howard would be able to secure the $3,196,448 worth contract.

Dwight Howard himself denied his chances of joining the Warriors during an interview with Math Hoffa in August. Taking the same into account, Smith criticized the player for not knowing his own worth. ?The hell are you doing? You are a big man who can literally contribute for a championship.?

?I don?t know what the hell they eat over there in Taiwan, but clearly,?you?ve been sipping on or chewing on something over there that has clouded your brain. Dwight Howard, you?d be great for the Golden State Warriors, that is my point.?

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While the encouragement went a long way for Dwight Howard, it’s unfortunate that the Warriors front office didn’t agree with Smith.

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