“Let’s Bring a Chip to Philly”: Newly Acquired Dwight Howard Responds to the 76ers’ President

Dwight Howard is moving to the city of ‘Brotherly Love’ to continue his illustrious NBA career. The Atlanta native will add strength to the Philadelphia roster. Although they have arguably the best center in the league in Joel Embiid, he will serve as the primary back-up.

The three-time defensive player of the year is still an elite protector of the rim and will add some more bite in the paint. Moreover, the 76ers will benefit from his years of experience in the league.

76ers’ President welcomes Dwight Howard

Newly appointed president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, did not waste the opportunity to welcome him.

The former Rockets GM himself has a lot to prove. His revolutionary tactics did not yield a championship in Houston. To add to that, he is notorious for his emphasis on analysis and numbers. Constantly being labelled as an ‘analytics fool’ by former players, he has a shot at vindicating his philosophies in Philly.

His emphatic response

Turning a leaf from his recent social media gaffes, the former Orlando Magic star took no time to respond to Morey.

This will be music to the ears of 76ers’ fans. Desperate for a title, they haven’t even made the NBA finals all these seasons with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Maybe his recent championship-winning experience can help the whole team.

Why did he leave the Lakers?

His reasons of leaving the LA Lakers are unclear. Performing the role of a team player well, the fans wanted him to stay. And he was averaging career high in scoring efficiency (72.9%).

Clearly, money wasn’t a factor here as he put pen to paper on a minimum exception deal ($2.6 Million), similar to what he was being paid in LA. Or maybe, the Lakers front office were looking for an upgrade in Montrezl Harrell.

Can Dwight Howard help lead 76ers to NBA Title?

It’s difficult to answer that question. The paint isn’t necessarily the area of weakness for them. It’s outside the paint, beyond the 3-point line, where they arguably suffer the most.

Appointing coach Doc Rivers and president Daryl Morey is a statement of intent by them. Could it help them all the way to the Larry O’Brien trophy? We will find out.