[Bryan88]

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard to play on Olympic team -- OrlandoSentinel.com

Orlando Magic all-star center Dwight Howard badly wants to win an NBA title. Ranking right up there on his wish list is winning an Olympic gold medal – and that chance will come sooner.

Howard will be among 12 players on Monday named to the Team USA roster to compete this summer in Beijing, China, according to those close to Howard and several league sources.

"Yes, I expect Dwight to make the team," Magic General Manager Otis Smith said Thursday.

Howard, who could not be reached for comment, played for the national team last year which qualified for the Olympics in the FIBA Americas Championship. He told the Sentinel recently that he was "excited" to play in the Olympics, adding, "I've been to Beijing a couple of times. I can't wait to get there and play.

Although not yet official, his inclusion was a given, especially after another big man --- former Orlando's Cypress Creek High and Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire --- had removed his name from consideration.

Team director Jerry Colangelo said by phone Thursday that he could not confirm whether Howard made the club before Monday's news conference in Chicago. But his effusive praise of the 6 -foot-11, 275-pounder left little doubt that Howard would return as Team USA's starting center. "I reached out to him three years ago and some people were surprised," Colangelo said. "But I was projecting where he might be today and he's become all of that --- plus some."

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Orlando Magic all-star center Dwight Howard badly wants to win an NBA title. Ranking right up there on his wish list is winning an Olympic gold medal – and that chance will come sooner.

Howard will be among 12 players on Monday named to the Team USA roster to compete this summer in Beijing, China, according to those close to Howard and several league sources.

"Yes, I expect Dwight to make the team," Magic General Manager Otis Smith said Thursday.


I have seen the man play in person a few times this year including pulling a 20 point 20 rebound game...and I got to say, how would anyone leave him off the team? Not possible.

[Lefty Noob]

I agree, Goth. He's one heck of a talent... probably the best center we could have representing the U.S. don't you think?

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

I agree, Goth. He's one heck of a talent... probably the best center we could have representing the U.S. don't you think?

Oh yeah... I do not see an International player who can go up against Howard successfully...he has to be on the team.

[Bryan88]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Oh yeah... I do not see an International player who can go up against Howard successfully...he has to be on the team.

I don't see a whole bunch of NBA players who can go up against Howard either, he is a beast.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Bryan88

I don't see a whole bunch of NBA players who can go up against Howard either, he is a beast.

You got that right...massive upper body on this kid!