Shaquille O’Neal hasn’t always been Dwight Howard’s biggest fan, but the Diesel thinks the idea of Howard making a return to the Orlando Magic would be a good thing for the city. Howard, 30, is expected to opt out and become a free agent this summer seeking a max contract offer. A return to his former team could make sense, and Shaq has given his stamp of approval.
From Calvin Watkins of ESPN:
“I think it would be good for the city,” O’Neal said Monday of Howard returning to Orlando. “First of all, after the first time he left, letting a big young guy get away, it shouldn’t happen a second time. All the puzzle [pieces] have to fit.”
“If you have respect for one another, I think you have to delete the word differences ’cause business is always going to be business,” O’Neal said. “The DeVos family [which owns the Magic] I have respect for. It can definitely work, as a general manager and owner we’re not just going to be bringing people back, we’re trying to get to that next level. If that guy can’t get us to the next level, then it don’t make sense.”
Interestingly enough, Howard hired Shaq’s agent, Perry Rogers, last month. Shaq reportedly spoke with Howard and sold him on hiring Rogers. That, plus O’Neal’s endorsement of Dwight going back to Orlando might even come off as a turning point in their relationship.
Shaq makes a good case as well. It makes sense, looking at the current state of the Magic, to insert an experienced anchor like Dwight Howard back into the mix. Orlando is oozing with promising young talent at every position. The question, as Shaq mentioned, becomes if the Magic feel that acquiring Dwight would help take them to another level, and if he’s still worth the kind of money he’s looking for.
