On the same day he was introduced as a member of the Atlanta Hawks, Dwight Howard took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle thanking Rockets fans for the three seasons he spent there. You can read it here:
In case you missed Dwight Howard's ad on Page 2 of the @HoustonChron sports section today. pic.twitter.com/tyqxTfP3Qc
— Jenny Dial Creech (@jennydialcreech) July 13, 2016
It’s a little bit perfect that Howard’s letter is in all caps, in something close to Impact font, making it look like a 2009-era meme. The idea that Dwight Howard has just discovered LOLcats is completely within the realm of possibility. At the very least, it’s proof that unlike most of these kinds of letters, he wrote this one himself and had a real say in picking out the font and layout.
In all seriousness, for as much of a bad rap as Howard has gotten, he was really good in Houston. He was a monster in the 2014 and 2015 playoffs in particular. He isn’t the 2011 MVP-era Dwight anymore, but when he’s healthy, he can still be extremely effective as a rebounder and rim protector. The team fell apart this season as his relationship with James Harden deteriorated (among other factors), but on balance, it was a more successful three seasons than he’ll be given credit for. Atlanta beckons, and hopefully for Dwight this is just the first of many ventures that’ll help him rehab his image.
