Club Shay Shay: BEST OF 520 – Dwight Howard on MVP Battle with D-Rose + Jeff Teague on KD's Next Team, Pacers-Thunder

Release Date: June 7, 2025

NFL legend Shannon Sharpe hosts an engaging episode of Club Shay Shay, featuring a deep dive with NBA star Dwight Howard discussing the MVP race involving Derrick Rose, alongside insights from Jeff Teague on Kevin Durant's potential next team dynamics between the Pacers and Thunder. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and memorable moments from the episode.

Introduction

The episode kicks off with Shannon Sharpe welcoming his guest, Dwight Howard, setting the stage for a candid conversation about NBA MVP races and team dynamics. The hosts, Clayton English and Greg Lott, along with Dwight, navigate through heated discussions and nostalgic reflections on basketball legends.

MVP Battle: Dwight Howard vs. Derrick Rose

[20:44] Dwight Howard:
"He already won. What else do you gotta do? He gonna get his... he's gonna get his... if he stays, he's gonna get his statue. The Nasses will get a statue."

Dwight Howard passionately argues that Derrick Rose deserved the MVP award during his peak performance years. He contends that Rose's impact on the game and his team's success should have positioned him as a clear MVP contender, overshadowing other prominent players.

[24:37] Clayton English:
"The biggest snub MVP snub to y'all? It gotta be Shaq."

Howard expands his critique to include Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, suggesting that both were consistently overlooked for MVP honors despite their significant contributions and dominance on the court.

Career Reflections and Comparisons with Legends

[09:01] Dwight Howard:
"I was skinny. I couldn’t gain no weight... then when I got to the league, I started doing Olympic lifting with our trainer in Orlando."

Reflecting on his early career, Dwight shares his personal journey of transforming his physique and skill set to compete at the highest level. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and adaptation in achieving success.

[27:25] Dwight Howard:
"Kobe's an asshole. Not saying he's an asshole to me. I'm just saying like his personality, like he an asshole."

In a candid comparison, Dwight contrasts Kobe Bryant's intense personality with LeBron James's more personable demeanor, highlighting how different leadership styles impact team dynamics and performance.

[28:08] Dwight Howard:
"He is scoring. It is scoring. But I'm saying, like, as far as getting buckets, like all the way around... all the way around, I'll be."

Howard acknowledges LeBron's scoring prowess but asserts that Kobe's ability to dominate the game in crucial moments set him apart as a superior scorer.

International Leagues and Expanding Horizons

[17:00] Dwight Howard:
"I started a league over in Asia a couple years ago after my first year in Taiwan... we started the league three years ago, and it's been booming."

Dwight discusses his initiative to establish an international basketball league in Asia, aiming to provide opportunities for players who aspire to continue their careers abroad. He underscores the potential for growth and the importance of globalizing the sport.

[18:24] Dwight Howard:
"Shout out to Taco Man. I remember watching him at UCF... He done got so much better. And he dunking on niggas like he ain't playing around."

Highlighting emerging talents, Dwight praises players like Taco Fall, emphasizing the diverse skills and athleticism present in international leagues.

MVP Snubs and Historical Comparisons

[24:34] Host:
"Steve Nas got the piece."

The discussion circles back to past MVP snubs, with Dwight highlighting instances where deserving players like Steve Nash were overlooked in favor of others, fueling debates about the fairness and criteria of MVP selections.

[24:56] Dwight Howard:
"I'm always going with Kareem because I think he got the one shot. I used to tell them, Kareem the Goat."

Dwight elevates Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the epitome of MVP caliber, praising his consistent performance and unparalleled scoring ability.

Personal Insights on LeBron vs. Kobe

[31:17] Host:
"I take Bron."

The hosts engage in a spirited debate about LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, with personal anecdotes and subjective opinions shaping their perspectives on who stands as the greater scorer and leader.

[31:27] Host:
"I take le Bron the best scorer all time."

Despite Dwight's arguments favoring Kobe's scoring dominance, the hosts express strong support for LeBron, reflecting the ongoing fan debates within the basketball community.

Final Thoughts and Conclusions

[73:18] Host:
"I don't want it to turn into that."

As the conversation winds down, the hosts express concerns about the future direction of All-Star weekends and MVP elections, advocating for preserving the competitive integrity and excitement that made these events beloved by fans.

[75:05] Host:
"All stink to say team two, or nothing."

Emphasizing the need for quality and genuine competition, the hosts and Dwight conclude with a call to action for the NBA to maintain the spirit of the game, ensuring that accolades like the MVP remain meaningful and deserved.

Memorable Quotes

• Dwight Howard [20:44]:
  "He already won. What else do you gotta do? He gonna get his... he's gonna get his... if he stays, he's gonna get his statue."

• Dwight Howard [24:37]:
  "I think that, too. I was gonna say that one."

• Dwight Howard [31:17]:
  "I like Kobe. If it's late in the game, I'm giving the ball to Kobe."

• Dwight Howard [28:08]:
  "He is scoring. It is scoring. But I'm saying, like, as far as getting buckets, like all the way around."

Conclusion

This episode of Club Shay Shay provides an insightful exploration into the intricacies of NBA MVP races, the impact of player personalities on team dynamics, and the evolving landscape of basketball both domestically and internationally. Dwight Howard's candid reflections and passionate opinions offer listeners a deeper understanding of the factors influencing award selections and team strategies. Meanwhile, the lively exchanges among the hosts add a dynamic layer to the conversation, making it a must-listen for basketball enthusiasts seeking both analysis and spirited debate.

For those who haven’t tuned in, this episode delivers a rich blend of expert commentary, player insights, and engaging banter, capturing the essence of what makes Club Shay Shay a standout podcast in the sports arena.