Magic Johnson Speaks on Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets

Apr 17, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball with Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) in pursuit at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball with Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) in pursuit at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 17, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball with Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) in pursuit at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball with Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) in pursuit at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

When you’re one of the greatest NBA players of all-time, your opinion is going to be valued in the basketball community. Suffice it to say Magic Johnson’s opinion is really, really valued. Turns out he thinks Dwight Howard would push the Houston Rockets into immediate title contention.

"“I can’t tell you what is best for Dwight Howard. I think he probably will make the best decision possible for him,” Johnson said. “I would say that he probably would enjoy playing for (Rockets coach) Kevin McHale because coach McHale not only was a Hall of Fame player and, I feel, with Tim Duncan, the best power forward that has ever played the game.”… “With Dwight Howard, (Houston) would take the next step as being one of the elite teams – I would say one through four or five one of the best four or five teams in the league – and definitely would give themselves a chance to win a championship,” Johnson said."

Via David Barron | Chron.com

With the emergence of James Harden as a superstar and Chandler Parsons ascension to being regarded as one of the league’s most viable all-around wings, it’s hard to argue against Johnson’s standpoint. Especially if Howard has the opportunity to polish his offensive skills under the likes of McHale.