Dwight Howard and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar AP and AFP
MANILA, Philippines — Dwight Howard reiterated on Wednesday that he’s never been a “dumb basketball player” when asked about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s comments on his basketball IQ.
Houston’s start center fired back anew at Abdul-Jabbar, who said that Howard’s basketball IQ “is not up to speed for him to become a dominant player” on ESPN’s First Take last week.
“I’ve never been a dumb basketball player,” said Howard at Houston’s media availability at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Like I said before, you cannot win defensive player of the year and be a great defender and be a dumb basketball player. That doesn’t go together.”
Abdul-Jabbar also said that “Dwight is an extraordinary athlete and has incredible athletic ability, but basketball is a game where the most important muscle that you use on the court is the one between your ears.”
“I don’t think there’s any need for him to say anything. He’s Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He shouldn’t worry about Dwight Howard,” Howard replied.
Howard, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year awardee and a four-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member, also said that he’s happy with the Rockets after a tumultuous season win Los Angeles.
“But I’m here, I’m happy where I’m at. I love my team, my teammates and coaching staff. I’m in a much better place,” Howard said.
Howard is set to play his second game in a Rockets’ jersey on Thursday in the pre-season as Houston collides with Indiana in the first ever NBA Global Games here.
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