How NBL stint could help Howard rise

With the rumours of Dwight Howard’s potential move to the NBL gathering some steam, former NBL champion Peter Hooley has nominated the performances of a pair of NBA veterans as inspiration for the eight-time All Star.

Howard ended an almost 20-year association with the NBA after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers for Taiwanese side Taoyuan Leopards at the end of the 2021-2022 NBA season.

He was named the T1 League’s Most Valuable Import, All-Star Game MVP and was named to the All-League and All-Defensive First Teams during his stint in Taiwan.

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“I think a guy like Tristan Thompson just playing spot minutes at the Cavs is what’s made Dwight Howard come to the realisation he can still play at that level and he can still play spot minutes,” Hooley said on NBL Now.

“He’s not going to play 30 minutes a game but a guy like DeAndre Jordan steps in with Nikola Jokic out and putting up a massive game, that’s Dwight Howard’s ears pricking up ‘well that could be me if I get an opportunity’.

“The NBL is proven to get both youngsters ready and prepared for the NBA Draft, or guys like Matthew Dellavedova come in and get another shot at it, that is what the NBL is beautiful for.  

“NBA eyes are going to be watching every game whether they’re on you, or the Next Stars, or somebody else, if you perform then who knows what could happen.”

While there is still plenty of water to go under the bridge until any potential move to the NBL occurs, there are a handful of teams who are in need of reinforcement in the post positions, and plenty of teams looking to establish themselves as a point of difference in the race for a post-season position.

“The Breakers are the ones that stand out,” Hooley said. “They’ve been injured for a while and they’re not afraid to go out there and make a move.

“I’m interested to know if that conversation’s already happened.

“I think he’s probably weighing up that thought of if EuroLeague of a place he can go and dominate and flex his muscles and put up some significant numbers.

“You’re going to sell out a lot of games, so if you’re struggling a little bit, bring in a guy like Dwight Howard and good things will happen.

“I’d selfishly love to see it and there are a couple of teams that could use a big so let’s see what happens.”