Podcast Title: New Rory & MAL
Episode: Rory & Mal Don't Know Ball | Dwight Howard
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Hosts: Rory and Mal
Guest: Dwight Howard
Produced By: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Introduction to the Episode
In this engaging episode of New Rory & MAL, hosts Rory and Mal delve deep into the basketball world with special guest Dwight Howard. The conversation spans Dwight's illustrious NBA career, his perspectives on the evolution of the game, his feelings about being excluded from the NBA Top 75 list, and his experiences during pivotal moments like the 2009 NBA Finals. The trio also touches on broader topics such as media influence in sports, the impact of AI on basketball, and recent significant changes in NBA team ownership.
Dwight Howard’s NBA Journey and Early Career Adjustments
Discussion Points:
- Dwight Howard reflects on his entry into the NBA as the first overall pick in the 2004 Draft, selected by the Orlando Magic directly out of high school.
- The challenges he faced transitioning from high school and AAU basketball to the professional level, emphasizing the physical and mental adjustments required.
- His training regimen, disciplined routine, and preparation that contributed to his early success in the league.
Notable Quotes:
- Dwight Howard [03:52]: "When I got to the team, I wanted to get out on the perimeter. I would always be trying to bring the ball up the court in practice."
- Dwight Howard [07:21]: "I woke up every morning at 4 o'clock and I went to the track. This was in high school. Every day I was doing this, waking up at 4 o'clock, going to the track."
Being Left Out of the NBA Top 75 List
Discussion Points:
- Dwight expresses his frustration and disbelief at being excluded from the NBA’s Top 75 list despite his achievements, including eight-time All-Star selections and multiple NBA titles.
- The conversation delves into potential biases within the selection process and the influence of media personalities like Skip Bayless.
- The hosts and Dwight compare this situation to similar instances in other fields, emphasizing the importance of objective metrics over subjective opinions.
Notable Quotes:
- Dwight Howard [13:39]: "I was pissed off. I was like, man, there's no way I put in this much work personally and for the league to leave me off."
- Dwight Howard [15:16]: "It’s just the numbers don’t add up and it doesn’t matter... people are saying it has nothing to do with what happened when I stepped between the lines."
Evolution of the Game and Defensive Play
Discussion Points:
- The hosts and Dwight analyze how the NBA has evolved over the years, particularly focusing on the shift towards a more offense-driven game with increased athleticism.
- They discuss the perceived decline in defensive intensity compared to Dwight’s playing days, highlighting how current players emphasize scoring over defense.
- Dwight shares his admiration for legends like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, comparing their impact to modern players.
Notable Quotes:
- Dwight Howard [21:40]: "The world is changing. The game is global and they want more scoring, they want more entertainment."
- Dwight Howard [25:17]: "Michael Jordan is Michael Jordan. He gotta be number two or three on my all-time list."
2009 NBA Finals: Orlando Magic vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Discussion Points:
- Dwight reminisces about the 2009 NBA Finals, where the Orlando Magic faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers led by Kobe Bryant.
- He recounts the intensity of the series, the strategic preparations against LeBron James and the Lakers, and the emotional toll of the finals loss.
- The conversation covers team dynamics, coaching decisions, and the pivotal moments that defined the series outcome.
Notable Quotes:
- Dwight Howard [35:02]: "We wanted to send Cleveland home mad that they played us. That last game was like a statement."
- Dwight Howard [38:40]: "We were fighting against LeBron and Kobe, the best in the league at that time. It was tough."
Impact of Media and Public Perception in Sports
Discussion Points:
- Dwight discusses his experiences with media scrutiny, especially as a young superstar with high expectations.
- The hosts explore the relationship between athletes and media personalities, including the influence of commentators who may not have firsthand experience.
- The conversation touches on the balance athletes must maintain between personal performance and public perception.
Notable Quotes:
- Dwight Howard [10:48]: "If I'm in a room with Skip, I'm a slap him. That's how I was thinking back then."
- Dwight Howard [12:33]: "It's great to hear both sides, but actual players should be the ones talking about their experiences."
AI and the Future of Basketball
Discussion Points:
- The hosts and Dwight speculate on how artificial intelligence (AI) could revolutionize sports, particularly basketball, by enhancing player performance and fan engagement.
- They discuss the recent sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter, CEO of TWG Global, and its implications for the future of the team and the league.
- The conversation explores the potential for AI to change how games are analyzed, played, and experienced by fans.
Notable Quotes:
- Dwight Howard [68:58]: "They are looking at all that. You know, the biggest thing is to attract this new market."
- Dwight Howard [67:43]: "All these players are going to be at home looking at VR sets of fake LeBron James. It's over."
Personal Growth and Overcoming Challenges
Discussion Points:
- Dwight shares personal stories about dealing with depression, maintaining motivation, and finding inspiration outside of basketball.
- He discusses his time playing overseas in Taiwan, the fulfillment he found in connecting with fans globally, and how these experiences rejuvenated his passion for the game.
- The hosts and Dwight talk about the importance of faith, discipline, and maintaining a strong personal foundation to navigate the highs and lows of a professional sports career.
Notable Quotes:
- Dwight Howard [76:39]: "Sometimes I just have to travel. Get away from my normal routine and see the world differently."
- Dwight Howard [80:58]: "These are experiences. Like in America, sometimes it can be hard because it's an expectation. But overseas, they just let me go about my day."
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Discussion Points:
- The episode wraps up with reflections on Dwight’s legacy, his continued influence on the game, and his outlook on future opportunities within and outside the NBA.
- The hosts express their appreciation for Dwight’s honesty and openness, highlighting the inspirational aspects of his journey.
Notable Quotes:
- Host [81:30]: "You need those moments. Even Steph talked about his experience in China. That was similar as well."
- Dwight Howard [81:17]: "I'm just in awe. I'm stuck staring at him like, 'Yo, Michael Jordan just passed me.'"
Conclusion
This episode of New Rory & MAL offers an in-depth and heartfelt conversation with Dwight Howard, providing listeners with a comprehensive look into his career, personal struggles, and views on the evolving landscape of basketball. Through candid discussions and memorable quotes, Dwight sheds light on the challenges and triumphs that have shaped him both on and off the court, making this episode a must-listen for basketball enthusiasts and fans alike.
Notable Quotes Summary:
- Dwight Howard [03:52]: "When I got to the team, I wanted to get out on the perimeter."
- Dwight Howard [07:21]: "I woke up every morning at 4 o'clock and I went to the track."
- Dwight Howard [13:39]: "I was pissed off... for the league to leave me off."
- Dwight Howard [21:40]: "The world is changing. The game is global and they want more scoring."
- Dwight Howard [35:02]: "That last game was like a statement."
- Dwight Howard [68:58]: "They are looking at all that. The biggest thing is to attract this new market."
- Dwight Howard [76:39]: "Sometimes I just have to travel. Get away from my normal routine."
- Dwight Howard [80:58]: "These are experiences... you have to let me go about my day."
Disclaimer: This summary is based on a transcript provided and aims to capture the essence of the episode accurately. For the full experience, listening to the complete podcast is recommended.