Even during their recent rise to contention, the Milwaukee Bucks have never been a hotspot for big names over the years, with most of them coming via trade. However, Hall of Famer Dwight Howard revealed that when he was with the Houston Rockets, he was eyeing Milwaukee as a landing spot because of the team's potential and his desire to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Speaking on former Milwaukee Buck Jeff Teague's 520 Club Podcast, here is what Howard had to say about Giannis and the franchise:
"At one point in my career, I was trying to go to Milwaukee when I played for the Rockets. You want me to tell y’all the truth? I was like, 'I see some potential in Milwaukee.' Before y’all won the championship with Giannis, I was like, 'Man, I see some potential in Milwaukee. I want to play with Giannis and all that.' And then a couple years later, y’all won the chip."
Dwight Howard saw the Milwaukee Bucks' potential from the beginning
Howard was with the Rockets from 2013-16, so he would have seen the early years of Giannis and the young Bucks. Those teams might not have been the greatest record-wise, but the potential was there from the jump, with the lethal duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton starting to put the pieces together.
Antetokounmpo won Most Improved Player the following season and has been an All-Star every year since, cementing his place as one of the best in the game. Of course, the Milwaukee Bucks have also gone on to win a championship and boast the best record in the NBA in that span, with Giannis taking home two MVPs and a Finals MVP.
There's no telling how well Howard and Antetokounmpo would have meshed. One would think their styles of doing most of their damage close to the rim would clash. Yet, on the other end of the court, there's no denying how formidable these two would have been. A pair of near 7-foot shot-blockers could have terrified the rest of the NBA. It certainly would have been quite the sight.
Howard, an eight-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, undoubtedly would have been among the biggest free agent/trade pickups this team had to that point. Even if there were any questions about the on-court fit, his veteran presence could have potentially done more for the budding Milwaukee Bucks star one-two punch in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.
Howard has been vocal regarding the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason, previously pitching how he'd like to see Giannis Antetokounmpo remain with his current franchise. Many years ago, Howard left the Orlando Magic seeking greener pastures, which he never found. The big man doesn't want to see his fellow future Hall of Famer follow the same path as he once did by potentially departing.
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