Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: Rory & Mal Don't Know Ball | Dwight Howard
Release Date: June 21, 2025
In this episode of "Don't Know Ball," hosted by Rory and Trevor Ariza, former NBA players engage in an in-depth conversation with Dwight Howard. The discussion spans Dwight's illustrious career, his experiences transitioning into the NBA, his views on media recognition, pivotal moments like the 2009 Orlando Magic championship run, and his perspectives on the evolving landscape of basketball, including the recent sale of the Los Angeles Lakers. Additionally, Dwight shares personal insights on mental health and his international basketball ventures.
1. Drafting and Transition to the NBA
Key Points:
- Dwight Howard was selected as the number one overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic straight out of high school.
- The transition from high school to the NBA was challenging due to the higher level of competition and media scrutiny.
Notable Quotes:
- Rory (03:07): "So with the first pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, Rory the Orlando Magic selected somebody out of high school who had a lot of promise..."
- Dwight Howard (05:53): "I woke up every morning at 4:00 clock, and I went to the track train every day. This was in high school."
2. Dealing with Media and Top 75 Exclusion
Key Points:
- Dwight discusses the difficulties of adapting to media attention upon entering the NBA.
- Expresses frustration over being excluded from the NBA's Top 75 list despite significant achievements and contributions to the game.
Notable Quotes:
- Dwight Howard (10:41): "Back then it was probably like the Skip Bayless. Like I would say, if I'm in a room with Skip, I'm gonna slap him."
- Dwight Howard (13:43): "I was pissed off... I know there's not guys better than me."
3. 2009 Orlando Magic Championship Run
Key Points:
- Recaps the Magic's journey to the NBA Finals in 2009, highlighting key performances and strategic decisions.
- Discusses the intense rivalry with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Notable Quotes:
- Dwight Howard (35:07): "Rory was like, well Dwight, you've always been well spoken, but it just seems more natural to have guys that played the game talk about the game..."
- Dwight Howard (36:04): "They wanted it so bad. We seeing all this stuff on TV... we are gonna destroy Cleveland."
4. Sale of Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter
Key Points:
- The podcast delves into the recent sale of the LA Lakers' majority ownership to Mark Walter of TWG Global.
- Discusses the implications of such a significant financial transaction on the future of the Lakers and the NBA.
Notable Quotes:
- Dwight Howard (65:04): "They probably broke the bank... They gave the Lakers 10 billion."
- Dwight Howard (68:36): "They handing it to me, but I'mma battle my ass off. I'm strong as shit, so hey, I'm going Prime, Dwight."
5. Playing Overseas in Taiwan
Key Points:
- Dwight recounts his time playing basketball in Taiwan, emphasizing the cultural experiences and personal growth achieved.
- Highlights the contrast between playing in the NBA and international leagues.
Notable Quotes:
- Dwight Howard (79:16): "Taiwan was amazing... getting my own basketball league, getting a gold card."
- Dwight Howard (80:25): "Seeing people coming from different parts of the world and they know who I am... that's an awesome feeling."
6. Mental Health and Motivation
Key Points:
- Dwight openly discusses moments of depression and the pressures of maintaining success in professional sports.
- Shares coping mechanisms, including traveling and gaining new perspectives to rekindle his passion for basketball.
Notable Quotes:
- Dwight Howard (76:30): "I've had days and those moments of depression. I just have to travel. Get away from my normal routine."
- Dwight Howard (77:50): "Sometimes traveling, you see how people live... I should just be thankful."
7. Perspectives on Modern Basketball and Technology
Key Points:
- Dwight comments on the evolution of basketball, including the increased athleticism and the role of technology and AI in the sport.
- Raises concerns about the integrity and entertainment value as the game becomes more globalized and technologically driven.
Notable Quotes:
- Dwight Howard (24:43): "It's a different ball game... it's upgraded system."
- Dwight Howard (60:55): "It's gonna be normal. Can we be, you know who's gonna be? It's like the rookies versus..."
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Dwight Howard provides a candid and insightful look into his career and the broader changes within the NBA. From overcoming the challenges of transitioning to the professional league straight out of high school to grappling with media recognition and personal setbacks, Dwight's narrative is one of resilience and adaptation. His reflections on the 2009 championship run and the recent managerial changes within the Lakers offer listeners a unique perspective on the business and emotional facets of professional basketball. Additionally, Dwight's discussions on mental health and his international experiences highlight the importance of personal well-being and cultural enrichment beyond the court.
This summary aims to encapsulate the core discussions and highlights from the episode, providing an informative overview for those who haven't listened to the full podcast.