Former Houston Rockets legend makes strange attempt to return to NBA

For some NBA players, retirement is difficult to accept. We can’t blame them. If you were an NBA superstar, would you want to ride off into the sunset?

Think about it. You are living your dream. Suddenly the dream ends. It’s human nature to close your eyes and try to conjure up that same dream until your alarm forces you to get up.

Make no mistake: this will force you. Retirement is inevitable. Father Time, as they say, is undefeated. Ultimately, a human being’s body will not allow them to play basketball at the NBA level.

It appears former Rocket Dwight Howard feels he has more in the tank. Recently, he attempted to return to the NBA. His strategy for landing another contract is unconventional to say the least.

We’ll give it to Howard – he makes a strong case. Thanks to the miracles of autotune, he could find a second career as an R&B singer. His rendition of Biggie’s classic “One More Chance” sounds pretty good.

Still, the Lakers won’t bring him back to sing the anthem. If he returns to the organization, it will be as a backup big man. Would this be a sensible idea for the Lakers – or anyone else?

Who can say? Howard is 38 years old. We haven’t seen him on an NBA court in two years. We don’t know what he may have left in the tank.

Howard may still be a solid third-string player. He may be able to meet a minimum contract. At the very least, he’ll hold ticket sales for nostalgic fans who want to see a former MVP candidate in action.

Perhaps it goes without saying: This shouldn’t be on the Rockets. Steven Adams will be much more impactful than Howard can be at his age in 2024-25. Even Jock Landale is almost certain to be a better option. The Rockets have no room for their former big man.

In other words, they shouldn’t give Howard the loot.