How 4 once dominant NBA stars became journeymen

NBA Journeymen #4: Dwight Howard

For those who haven’t followed the NBA long enough, there was a time when Dwight Howard was the best center in the NBA. Now he’s often tasked with backing them up. Life comes at you fast. Howard’s transition from superstar to role player was unusual. He played through a serious back injury, after being traded from the Orlando Magic to the Lakers, only to be blamed for the tire fire that was the 2012-13 Lakers team that also included Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Steve Nash.

Howard left as a result and signed with the Rockets after only one season in L.A. There, he slowly became less of a focal point, so he signed with Atlanta. Since leaving Atlanta, Howard has played for five teams, including two separate stints with the Lakers, and is now a free agent.

All things considered, Howard’s career has turned out better than any player on this list. He won a championship in 2020 and has embraced his role as a backup center, which has repaired his image after being thought of as a big-time diva.

In fact, if he were to play another season, he could solidify his case for the Hall of Fame by scoring his 20,000th point and grabbing his 15,000th rebound, to go along with 2,000 blocks. Either way, Howard’s still had a great career but his time as a star has long since passed.

Ultimately, not every player who becomes a star in the NBA remains one throughout their career. Rose, Thomas, Cousins, and Howard are case and point.