Dwight Howard opens up on LeBron, Shaq and Josh’s wedding (sssh)
Dwight Howard joked with the kids to not ask about LeBron James (but he talked about him later).
Dwight Howard was back in his hometown Friday, thrilling a group of kids from the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Atlanta who had no idea the Orlando Magic star and Atlanta native was coming for lunch. But before he took questions, he had one request.
“Please, no questions about the Miami Heat,” he said. “I was just over in China for two weeks and that’s all I heard: ‘What do you think about LeBron?’”
Nonetheless, Howard granted this corner of the blogosphere a few minutes to discuss a few items of interest to Atlanta fans: The Heat, the Hawks and Shaquille O’Neal.
In the process, he also let something slip: The Hawks’ Josh Smith, his childhood friend, is getting married.The reason I know this is because when I asked Howard how long he was in town for, he said, “Until Sunday. Josh is getting married tomorrow night and I’m the best man at his wedding.”
Howard smiled and suddenly suffered from memory loss when asked specifics about the wedding. But a Hawks official confirmed Smith, who has been in a long-term relationship with Alexandria Lopez, is getting married at an Atlanta hotel Saturday night.
OK, enough with the People magazine stuff. Here’s Howard on some hoop issues. You should be able to pick up on some sarcasm early
♦ On LeBron James’ signing show on ESPN: “I was in Atlanta at the time, watching it. The Decision. The Presidential Decision, 2010. Yeah.”
♦ On fans conceding the Eastern Conference to the Heat, following the free agent signings of James and Chris Bosh and the re-signing of Dwyane Wade: “We don’t think about it like that. They’ve still got to play games. It looks good on paper. It looks good playing a video game. But this is real life. We’re looking forward to playing them. They’re going to be a real good team but that doesn’t mean they’re going to win a championship.”
♦ On whether Shaquille O’Neal can still play: “He’s still a big body. He’s different than he was back in the day but he’s still big. He can be a great fit for a team to help them win. I think his presence in the locker room will be needed more than anything at this point in his career. If he would embrace whatever team he’s on, he has a lot of knowledge and he could help a team grow.”
♦ On whether O’Neal would be a good fit for the Hawks: “I don’t know. I like their lineup now. I know a lot of people get mad and say they’re not big on the inside, but they’re a big team. They’ve got big guards. They’ve got big forwards. They’ve got a flying forward [Smith]. So it doesn’t really matter about having a seven-footer.
♦ On the belief by some that the Hawks need Shaq to get past Magic: “That’s only four games out of the season. You have to look long term and what’s best for your team. Cleveland got Shaq to match up with the Magic. They also got Antawn Jamison to match up with the Magic. But they didn’t even play the Magic. They played Boston [and lost]. You match up for the league, not just one team.”
One final thing before we jump to the comments about LeBron and Shaq. The Big Brothers and Big Sisters are celebrating their 50th anniversary in Atlanta and I wanted to give them some recognition. They have 3,200 successful matches in a 12-county area and are looking for 800 more. If you can help out, they can be reached at 404-601-7000 and at bbbsatl.org.
OK, so what do you think about Howard’s comments on Shaq, LeBron and the Hawks?
Also, who wants to go in with me on candlesticks for Josh?
♦
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100 comments Add your comment
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2010
8:42 pm
Ryan — Actually I heard Shaq is pushing hard for Celtics, not the other way around. I think most GMs believe Shaq is pricing himself too high.
Tweets that mention Dwight Howard, the best man---with a a little thought on the Heat: -- Topsy.com
July 30th, 2010
8:42 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by miggiesmalls, gerriejoe and miaroland, andrehoops. andrehoops said: Dwight Howard, the best man—with a a little thought on the Heat: http://shar.es/0n0XV [...]
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2010
8:43 pm
Barnacle Bill — How big of a marketing bonanza would Dwight be in Atlanta? Similar to Jason Heyward in that respect.
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2010
8:43 pm
Mike is back — thanks.
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2010
8:44 pm
Grady Jackson “Barber Shop* — Figured you’d start that campaign early, eh?
Jeff Schultz
July 30th, 2010
8:55 pm
Folks, I’ve deleted 4 or 5 comments disparaging Josh Smith’s wife to be. This blog is an outlet for those kinds of comments. If they persist, I’ll be forced to close the blog to comment. Please be respectful. Thanks, JS
SWAT Native
July 30th, 2010
9:37 pm
I have nothing but respect for Josh’s wife-to-be, but it’s amazing how much these stories sound like Dominique’s first wife Nicole, down to the fight with the mother and sisters at the wedding rehearsal.
Also, I agree with some of the other posters: I would be more concerned if Dwight was encouraging the Hawks to sign Shaq.
Two words
July 30th, 2010
10:13 pm
Pre-nup. Preeeeee-nup!
ryan
July 30th, 2010
10:14 pm
Hey Shultz i was just reading on ESPN Marc Stien is saying that Shaq ’s options have dwindled that if he does not take the league minimum from Atlanta or Boston he may have sit out half the season.
PaulieOldschool
July 31st, 2010
12:34 am
I think Mr. Howard could get some mileage as a coach once his playing days are done. He comes across as insightful, thoughtful, and respecting of his elders (JSS and Shaq). I am impressed by him. I still think the Hawks go nowhere without a true big, but that’s just me, I guess.
Furman Bisher
July 31st, 2010
2:08 am
This is the Atlanta paper, right? No new Hawks blog for 4 weeks?!
I’ve been through 17 colostome bags since then!
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
July 31st, 2010
4:56 am
Congrats to JSmoove and his bride – who cares how she looks as long as he happy with her and vice versa. Dwight doesn’t want shaq in his division – he don’t want with the old head. Hawks brass need to bring him in for real – Collins ain’t cuttin’ it.
DamYankee
July 31st, 2010
6:20 am
He ain’t so big, he’s just tall, that’s all.
Dwight Howard’s Thoughts On The Hawks | Soaring Down South | An Atlanta Hawks blog
July 31st, 2010
9:39 am
[...] Shultz at the AJC took time out to interview Dwight Howard while he was in Atlanta this weekend. First of all, Dwight let it out that Josh Smith is getting [...]
KevinM
July 31st, 2010
9:52 am
niremetal – If you don’t want Shaq, then what is your plan? Because if you don’t do something, we’ll be lucky to get to the 2nd round. Would it be a surprise if our 1st playoff opponent is Dwight?
The ASG has left little options to improve this team after bringing back employee#2.
If you buy into Dwight(buddy of Smoove), you have to know that this team is never going to be able to challenge him unless you bring in someone to offset his success. When you shoot 90% against us, you know you aren’t going to spout off.
So those fans who want to just stand pat and let’s let this thing play out again (even though we have seen it for 2 years now), its time to try a new approach.
No wonder Atlanta can’t get a fan base behind them. Their management teams continue to screw things up and try to prove they are smarter than the fanbase.
If you put a poll up today, I bet employee#2’s ratings are about the same as the president: in a free-fall.
KevinM
July 31st, 2010
9:56 am
Ryan, if that is the current state of affairs, no way I come here over Boston. Easy answer as we let Boston try to continue to improve even though they are over the cap.
The ASG just plays at a league level lower than the elite teams. They continue to prove it.
Mz. Hawkdafied
July 31st, 2010
10:57 am
From sad tears (Lorenzen Wright R.I.P.) to happy tears, congratulations to Josh Smith and his wife, may their love last forever, amen. Count me in on those candlesticks, Mr. Schultz. J Smoove has found his true love.
Now as far as Dwight’s comments on Lebron, “The Decision”, Shaq I tend to agree. But Dwight’s an Orlando Magic and just as much the enemy as the Miami Heat. So why do we care what he has to say? But the Josh wedding news is most welcome. Thanks for the scoop Dwight.
Go Hawks! Everybody have a blessed weekend. Peace out.
Jeff Schultz
July 31st, 2010
11:41 am
Ryan — Wouldn’t shock me if Shaq wasn’t with a team when the year starts.
Dr. Warren
July 31st, 2010
12:38 pm
Interesting how the prospect of establishing a presence in the China market is influencing young stars. I’ve been here in Shanghai four years, and during this time, I’ve seen Lebron, Kobe, Boozer, Marbury, and even found myself in a two-hour conversation at Starbuck’s with a congenial George Gervin, who introduced himself to me as “An NBA legend.” What these guys don’t realize is that it will be a very long time before their merchandise makes a profit here. The huge counterfeiting/fake industry, right under everyone’s nose, sells NBA jerseys, Nikes, Adidas, etc, at 20% of the official prices.
Bubba
July 31st, 2010
1:20 pm
Does anyone really care about the NBA?
do-dah do-dah
July 31st, 2010
2:20 pm
How did getting Shaq work out for Cleveland last year? Hmmm?
Max in Missouri
July 31st, 2010
3:15 pm
First off, Mr. Roboto….complete douche
Second off, of course Howard has those comments. Have you seen how badly the Magic have torched the Hawks in the playoffs the last couple years? It’s not even funny. If the Hawks pick up Shaq, that all changes. Howard knows that Shaq is the REAL superman and even at a golden age, Shaq can still handle D12 in the post.
sam
July 31st, 2010
3:18 pm
josh smith needs to get mad at howard.
as long as people always play up their “lifetime friendship”…howard will always have the ups on smith.
until smith f’s the “childhood friend relationship” he has with howard…the magic will always beat the hawks.
Top Magic and NBA news: Saturday, July 31 | Outdoor sports, camping, tenis, golf
July 31st, 2010
3:44 pm
[...] Dwight Howard opens up on LeBron, Shaq and Josh’s wedding (sssh), The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jeff Schultz The Buzz: Schultz captured some of Howard’s [...]
JASon
July 31st, 2010
4:07 pm
I was hoping the hawks would not re-sign Joe Johnson. He has about one or two moves and that’s it. I hope the new staff is going to run an offense, but to be honest with you, I’m tired of waiting for something to happen. It has gotten old.
Reid Adair
July 31st, 2010
4:14 pm
Great stuff, Jeff. I am glad to see that Dwight Howard and I have the same opinion (although he didn’t come right out and say it) that Shaquille O’Neal would not be good for the Hawks.
I’ll chip in on the candlesticks too.
Laugh out Loud
July 31st, 2010
5:01 pm
@ J-Smoove really I understand y’ll childhood friends but how can someone that just kick your azz in the playoffs be your bestman LMAO
ryan
July 31st, 2010
5:46 pm
I am just so angry that the Hawks got nothing for Josh Childress could have got HendoTurkalu just so many missed opportunities to improve after signing Joe.
2G
July 31st, 2010
5:53 pm
LEBRON IS A COWARD,SHAQ IS WASHED UP BUT I THINK HE WOULD BE A GOOD FIT IN ATLANTA.BY MOVING HORFORD TO 4 AND STARTING SHAQ AT 5 WOULD HELP THEM DEFENSIVELY.JOSH SMITH CAN PLAY 3 OR 4 ANYWAYS.HAWKS SHOULD ALSO START MY BOY JAMAAL CRAWFORD AND MAKE MIKE BOBBY RIDE THAT PINE.
Paul Howard,Jr.
July 31st, 2010
7:19 pm
Enter your comments here
Paul Howard,Jr.
July 31st, 2010
7:27 pm
As your Uncle ( and on behalf of your entire family) I can’t help but join in the comments about your interview and express how proud we remain of you and all of your accomplishments at such a young age. I must tell you, after reading your comments about Shaq and the Hawks, I now recognize yours skills as an evaluator of talent and NBA diplomat are exceeded only by your acumen as a player.
Say what you want...
July 31st, 2010
9:44 pm
for a washed up dude, Shaq sure enough gives D.Howard a run for the money when they pay one another… Say what you want but look at the stats… Of course D. Howard is more athletic but Shaq is a smarter ball player with more offensive moves… If Zaza would have gave you all Shaq stats along with everyone contributing the same, the Hawks would have beaten Orlando… Do you all actually think Howard respects the Hawks lineup??? Haha he shot like 90 percent from the field on you all… Howards only competition in the league is Shaq and he knows it… If Shaq gives the Hawks 12pts and 7 boards along with 2 blocks, and everyone performs as before the Hawks will compete… With Shaq and Horford in the post thats like the twin towers all over again(yea a bit premature but it can happen)…
Shaq played good against the Celts, if anyone saw the game they were out coached and no one could stop Rondo or KG… Shaq has no business on KG but he even made KG shoot the 20 footers he just made them…
It amazes me everyone wants to run n gun but the champions play half court ball… The Hawks need Shaq and lets quit pretending like Kobe was the perfect teammate, like Riley is the perfect GM, and that Nash didnt get Porter fired… Shaq has an ego but so did his peers, the only thing is that he didnt bite his tongue now everyone is calling him a cancer… Nash was reluctant to play D and he didnt even try to lobby for Amare to come back… The guy has an ego. If the Hawks want to win they need to get Shaq and start him with Horford and Smith… That will be a more athletic version of what LA has…
robdawg08
July 31st, 2010
11:15 pm
Why isn’t J.Smith getting married at a church ? Heathen…
Registry
July 31st, 2010
11:16 pm
http://www.macys.com/registry/wedding/guest/?registryId=187435&cm_mmc=WEDDINGCHANNEL-_-Registry-_-n-_-Registry&LinkshareID=737563052&ref=wc
robdawg08
July 31st, 2010
11:19 pm
Why even play the sxeason next year ? Just go straight to the playoffs with a Celtics-Heat Eastern Conference Finals… Miami bought themselves a championship signing LeBron,Bosh,and resigning Wade.
wuffe
July 31st, 2010
11:28 pm
Sheazzz,,,,even a scewball like me in 2008 saw Deandre Jordan just sittin there in the middle of the 2nd round at 260lbs 7ft true center , and the Hawks could have nabbed a 2nd round pick for nothin. Now he is on the Clippers squad along with their other 3 centers. The Hawks owners need to sell the team.
ejh
August 1st, 2010
9:29 am
I think Dwight knows that Shaq can help the Hawks, if his attitude is right and he accepts a minimum role on this team. But as far as the future is concerned I think the Hawks are looking two years down the line where Dwight can opt out of his contract with the magic and become a free agent after the 2011 – 2012 season. This would make perfect sense for the hawks to sign shaq to a two year deal, and try to win now, if it does not work out then I envision a Howard, Horford,
Smith front line with, Teague and Jordan Crawford in the Backourt, with Joe Johnson, and Marvin Williams being gone to give the cap space to sign Howard long term and be able to give Horford his contract next season. But with the signing of Shaq now and Howard in the future the hawks give themselves a chance at realistically competeing for the title for years to come, and that is all you can ask for as a fan.
SLAM ONLINE | » Dwight Howard: On Shaq, LeBron and Josh Smith
August 1st, 2010
9:47 am
[...] turn to the AJC who spoke with Dwight Howard: “Dwight Howard was back in his hometown Friday, thrilling a [...]
Big Ray
August 1st, 2010
10:13 am
Amazing how many bloggers know so much about Josh Smith and his soon-to-be wife. STFU, because you “know” nothing unless you know both people personally. Honestly people….
On Dwight’s comments about our current roster – of course he likes our team the way it is now. They beat the tar out of us for the last two years (regular season AND playoffs) with the exception of a single game we won (thankyou, Josh Smith).
And no, he would not want to face Shaq.
Having said that, with Shaq around we don’t necessarily beat Orlando. Our first and foremost weapon against them is actually scoring against them, which we seem to act like we don’t know how to do. Do that , and it’s on. They are NOT a scary team on defense. In fact, their defense consists mostly of one guy: Dwight.
Last I looked, one guy doesn’t get it done against five. Enter Larry Drew….
Mz. Hawkdafied
August 1st, 2010
11:04 am
Shaq an Atlanta Hawk. Hmmm? I can dig it as long as he promises to break at least one backboard. At first I was skeptical until this Dwight blog. Now I am officially a part of the bring Shaq to the Hawks committee/campaign.
Go Hawks!
dan
August 1st, 2010
6:24 pm
Uh, sorry Howard. That’s cute and all how you and Orlando feel dissed over and over. Jamison didn’t come because of Orlando. He came because we needed a scoring presence at strong forward, one with experience. It’s not his fault Brown didn’t know how to use him against Boston. It’s not his fault that LeBron got hurt and/or quit. Your team is decent, but that’s all it ever will be. Get over it.
niremetal
August 2nd, 2010
2:33 am
Boy, Najeh Davenpoop is really on the hard for Shaq huh? The level of devotion is creepy!
But I’m much creepier! Oh my, I LOVE men! MMM!
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ryan
August 2nd, 2010
3:16 pm
Why don’t the Hawks sign Shaq TMac and A.I. and trade Marvin and Bibby for picks . This wont happen
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World Wide News Flash
September 9th, 2010
12:26 am
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