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Washington Wizards Officially Introduce Dwight Howard (Video)

By Christopher Church

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 17: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets rebounds against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on November 17, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hornets 123-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 17: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets rebounds against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on November 17, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hornets 123-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Wizards introduce their newest member Dwight Howard during an introductory press conference.

After trading center Marcin Gortat to the Los Angeles Clippers for Austin Rivers this offseason, the Washington Wizards went out and added eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard following his release from the Charlotte Hornets.

Howard, 32, signed a two-year, $11 million contract on July 11, joining the sixth NBA team of his 14-year career. The former No. 1 overall pick of the 2004 NBA draft enjoyed a rebirth season with the Hornets last season by averaging 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds after scoring 13.7 and 13.5 points his previous two seasons with the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks.

Now, the prominent center joins John Wall, Bradley Beal, Otto Porter and Markieff Morris in the Wizards starting lineup for the 2018-19 season.

During his introductory press conference, Howard stated he plans to play at least eight more seasons and wants to finish his career with the Washington Wizards.

Howard has yet to reach the NBA All-Star game since the 2013-14 season after eight straight All-Star selections with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and Rockets. In addition to his eight All-Star selections, Howard is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and five-time All-NBA award.

The addition to the Wizards roster gives the team an instant elevation in the frontcourt with his playoff experience, rebounding, blocking shots and ability to score around the rim. Howard’s mammoth size of 6-foot-11 and a 7-foot-5 wingspan brings the Wizards size they haven’t experienced in many seasons.

Superman will now join forces with veteran center Ian Mahinmi which brings them much-needed depth down low to make a deep run in the Eastern Conference.

The Washington Wizards also added former Georgetown Hoyas star Jeff Green this offseason after he averaged 10.8 points and shot 31 percent from beyond the arc with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Green will take over the forward spot with starting power forward Morris.

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