Dwight Howard is dreaming big.
The eight-time All-Star center wants a title for his hometown. Howard agreed to a three-year, $70.5 million deal with the Hawks of Friday. He cannot sign a contract until after the NBA moratorium ends on Thursday.
“I want to do whatever I can to bring a championship home,” Howard said Tuesday from Philips Arena while attending a Dream game. “I know it’s not going to be easy. I’ve worked extremely hard this summer, every summer. I’m very motivated. I’m really (ticked) off about last season. I’m looking forward to coming back with a different mentality.”
Howard opted out of the final year of his contract with the Rockets this summer to become an unrestricted free agent. He quickly chose the Hawks and Atlanta, where he was born and went to high school at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. He jumped straight to the NBA and was selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the Magic in 2004.
Why was Howard angry about last season?
“Losing,” he said. “A lot of people see me with smiles and all that stuff and think I don’t care but I hate losing. I hate seeing other people stand up on the podium and hold up that trophy and I worked so hard for it. That’s the main thing.”
Look for more of the interview with Dwight Howard Wednesday at ajc.com.
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