Dwight never had NY in mind
ATLANTA — Phil Jackson could’ve gone in a different direction from signing Joakim Noah to a four-year contract (Dwyane Wade comes to mind).
But one player who apparently wasn’t so keen on playing center in New York was Atlanta’s Dwight Howard, who Wednesday strongly denied an offseason report that the Knicks were among the teams he considered as a freeagent destination.
“I never said that. I love New York, the Knicks are a great team. But that was something that was a lie,” said Howard, who drew interest from the Celtics and Blazers, among other teams, in free agency. “That was a rumor that was being put out there. Like I said, I have no issues with New York or the fans or the people there, but it’s just something I’ve never said.”
Howard, 31, is still among the league’s most productive centers, averaging 14.4 points and 13 rebounds before Wednesday’s matchup against the Knicks. He then scored 16 points and grabbed 22 rebounds in an overtime win.
But things ended bitterly with his previous two teams — L.A. and Houston — and he resurfaced with his hometown Hawks this season on a threeyear, $70 million deal. It’s a shorter contract than Noah’s, but averages about $5 million more annually. The Knicks never pursued Howard.
The Hawks, who lost Al Horford in free agency, have struggled this season at 16-16 after Wednesday’s OT win over the Knicks.
“I enjoy being at home, being with my family, being able to see my grandma and granddad and stuff,” Howard said. “That’s an added plus. So I’m very happy about that.”