There were tears. Lots of tears.
Dwight Howard and Kent Bazemore were home. Howard returned and Bazemore remained in the city of Atlanta.
Both Hawks players got emotional at a press conference to announce their signings Wednesday at the William Walker Recreation Center.
Bazemore teared up first during his opening remarks upon signing a four-year, $70 million contract as an unrestricted free agent to remain with the Hawks.
“I couldn’t choose a better place to be,” Bazemore said. “I said I wasn’t going to get emotional but people have embraced me and this feels like home. … It’s not often in this league where you can say you want something to happen and it happens. So when you get to come back, it’s just that much more special.”
Howard signed a three-year, $70.5 million contract to return to the city where he was born and raised. Minutes later, he would join in the waterworks when he mentioned his family.
“I happy to be home,” Howard said. “I know I am in a totally different place physically, mentally and spiritually than I was three years ago. I don’t think three years ago I would be the man I am today. This is really a new beginning for me. I’m happy to share that with me loved ones.”
Howard announced his uniform number change. After wearing No. 12 his entire career, Howard will wear No. 8 with the Hawks. He said he couldn’t give a full explanation for the meaning of the new number because it would take quite a while. In biblical numerology the number eight signifies a new beginning.
“Change is good,” Howard said before unveiling his new jersey.
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