NBA Legend Reveals Disappointing Experience With Grizzlies

Los Angeles Lakers champion Dwight Howard was not wanted by the Memphis Grizzlies
NBA Legend Reveals Disappointing Experience With Grizzlies
NBA Legend Reveals Disappointing Experience With Grizzlies /

Before Dwight Howard became an NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, it was unclear if there was a spot for him in the league. Traded from the Washington Wizards to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019, Howard was excited about the opportunity to mentor a young Memphis roster, but was told by the Grizzlies that there was no room for him there.

Recently sharing this story on the "My Expert Opinion" show, Howard said, "Grizzlies never said anything to me, they never brought me down to Memphis or anything. So I called the owner, said hey I would love to come down and be a part of the Grizzlies, I know I'm an older player, but I have a lot of experience and wisdom, I would love to help the younger players... He was like, listen, we don't have room for you on the roster."

Howard said the call motivated him to get in shape, and he ultimately landed a workout with the Lakers who signed him to a deal. Playing a big role on that Lakers team, Howard helped them win a championship, which was the first of his career. Playing in 69 games for the Lakers in the 2019-20 season, Howard averaged 18.9 minutes per game, filling an important role off the bench. When the Grizzlies wanted nothing to do with him, Howard got in the gym and earned a spot with the Lakers.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.