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Memphis Grizzlies put on blast by 8-time NBA All-Star

By Mark Nilon

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 05: The Memphis Grizzlies logo on their uniform during the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on November 05, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 05: The Memphis Grizzlies logo on their uniform during the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on November 05, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Grizzlies have established themselves as one of the best young rosters in the entire association with the steady and impressive development of their core talents such as Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane over the years.

Early on in the organization’s youth movement back in 2019, it may be forgotten that former NBA superstar Dwight Howard was sent to Grind City from the Washington Wizards via trade and, upon his arrival, offered a helping hand with the proposed idea of serving as a veteran presence and mentor for the promising youngsters.

As many Grizzlies fans may already know, such a happening did not end up taking place, as he never so much as suited up for the franchise prior to being waived nearly two months after his July 6 arrival.

During a recent episode of the “My Expert Opinion” show, Howard brought to light the polarizing truth behind why his desires failed to come to fruition.

“[The] Grizzlies never said anything to me, they never brought me down to Memphis or anything,” Howard said. “So I called the owner, said: ‘Hey, I would love to come down and be a part of the Grizzlies. I know I’m an older player, but I have a lot of experience and wisdom. I would love to help the younger players. [Is there] any way we can get a minicamp going before the season start?’ He was like: ‘Listen, we ain’t got no room for you on the roster.’ I said ‘Oh, ok.’ Cold world.”

The eight-time All-Star would continue on by stating that following his conversation with owner Robert J. Pera, he would immediately “get into the gym” and focus his attention on working himself into top-tier shape.

Howard would be waived by the Grizzlies on August 24, 2019, and, just two days later, signed a $2.6 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers where, in turn, he would go on to claim his first NBA Championship that very season.

Despite not getting his wish and, frankly, proper treatment from Memphis, it’s safe to say things proved to work out quite well for the veteran center.

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