| |
|
Dwight Howard's season of discontent ends
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 20 Apr 2012
IT was a season of discontent for center Dwight Howard, one marred by free agency woes, back pains that sidelined him for eight games, and one very public discord with his head coach -- Stan Van Gundy.
Well, that season ended for good Thursday night when a press release announced that the Orlando Magic behemoth will go through the knife on Friday to repair a herniated disk. He will miss the entire 2012 NBA playoffs as well as the 2012 Summer Olympics.
With a chance to bolt for free agency after this season, the 6-foot-11, 265-pound Howard chose to stay with the Magic for at least one more year, vowing that he would lead a spirited push for Orlando to snatch the Larry O'Brien trophy.
For much of the season, Howard seemed like a man on a mission, averaging 20.6 points and 10.8 rebounds per game in 54 outings. But his dominance inside the playing field was often overshadowed by controversies outside the lines.
He was ripped and mocked for flip-flopping about staying or leaving Orlando. And he didn't make any friends either when reports leaked that he had allegedly asked team management to fire his head coach -- Stan Van Gundy.
And now this.
Without Howard, the Orlando Magic has virtually no chance of winning the East, what with powerhouses Chicago and Miami lording over the conference.
"It hurts," Howard told Chris Broussard of ESPN The Magazine. "That's the first thing -- it hurts (emotionally). And with people saying and thinking I'm quitting on my team. This is a real issue. I tried to play through it and it just made my back worse."
One of the highest paid athletes in the world, Howard's salary with the Magic this year is a staggering $18,091,770. He last played on April 7, when he scored 20 points and grabbed 22 rebounds as the Magic tripped the Sixers -- 88-82 -- in Philadelphia. (Homer D. Sayson)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards
, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026“It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Date set for Manny-Money 2
By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026IM Yap outwits GM Gareyev, shares lead; Maribao split the point with GM Quizon in Round 3 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 25 Feb 20262 Division World Champion José Luis Castillo Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Doors open for Manny
By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026MEXICAN TITANS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD HIGHLIGHTING CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND IN LAS VEGAS!
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Alex Bray and Gabriela Tellez Capture WBA Titles, Dainier Pero Scores Impressive Stoppage at “Night of Champions XIV” in Orlando
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Cebuana Lhuillier Gems Officially Join Inaugural Pickle Yard Conference League
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026ADAMES AND AMMO CLASH FOR WORLD TITLE IN ORLANDO ON MARCH 21
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Filipino Alexis Emil Maribao shocks Indonesian Grandmaster Susanto Megaranto in the Manny Pacquiao International Open Chess opener
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026Team USA Notches Perfect Day to Open 77th International Strandja Boxing Tournament
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Floyd Mayweather Vs. Manny Pacquiao Set for Blockbuster Professional Rematch Streaming Live Globally on Netflix Saturday, September 19
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Zulueta, Bactol, Dologuin, Almacen Score Knockout Wins in Thailand (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026Francisco wins PBF flyweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026San Diego’S Boxing Stars Julius Ballo and Jonny Mansour to Headline the Inaugural Edition of Sd Fight Night on April 18, 2026, at Frontwave Arena
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Influencer Brooklyn Barwick Fighting for NBA Americas title
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
