Report: Dwight Howard expresses interest to join Warriors, mentor James Wiseman

A probable scenario of joining the defending champs and mentoring their promising young big man can’t be more ideal enough for Dwight Howard.

In his appearance on Club Shay podcast with host Shannon Sharpe, the future hall of famer was salivating on the possibility of joining the Golden State Warriors, giving Steph Curry and the co. an added space to shoot, and serve as a teacher for James Wiseman.

“Oh man, that’s perfect,” Howard told Sharpe about a potential signing with the Warriors. “I’ve been a warrior my whole life; I started out at my school as a warrior. They need a big. I know they have Kevon Looney and I know they have the young blood [James] Wiseman, but I’m Dwight Howard. Wiseman can learn so much from me because he’s heading in that direction of being a great big man.

“I feel like even in that situation, playing with all shooters like that, Steph [Curry], the way he can get open and with me setting screens, he’s going to get more wide open. Klay [Thompson] is the same way. Draymond [Green] in the pick-and-roll with me and him, me being able to teach Wiseman how to play defense and how to block shots… I would love to play ‘Season 19’ and go out on top.”

It has to be noted that the Warriors do possess a remaining roster spot following the late addition of Andre Iguodala. Their current stand to let it be vacant truly helps their ballooning salary cap. 

But, if they intend to tap another big body that will serve as an enforcement, the currently unsigned Howard is not entirely a bad candidate to consider. 

Though he is already on the twilight stage of his illustrious career and a negative to the Dubs’ dynamic system, Howard appears good and capable of providing a solid presence down low. His last season with the Los Angeles Lakers is a testament that he still has some gas left in his tank, averaging 6.2 points in 61.2 percent shooting to go with 5.9 boards in 16.2 minutes played (60 games).

As what he already pointed out, he is a rugged, towering presence that can instantly allow Curry and the others to maximize their shooting from distance. And given his rich experience and humble transitioning from being a franchise player to a trustworthy veteran, his lessons would be vital for Wiseman, who enjoys a healthy 2022-23 campaign after being marred by injury issues from the past two seasons.

For now, it remains yet to be seen if Golden State will move their needle and insert another key player. They may have been currently struggling fresh from their title year, but there’s still plenty of basketball time remaining to instantly flip the switch on to defend their throne.