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Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard were two of the famed bigs for the Orlando Magic — both of whom went on to ply their trade for the LA Lakers years later and won championships with the franchise. Both have been bonafide superstars in their own right, and in a recent discussion, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas weighed in on who was better for the Magic.
Arenas leaned toward Howard and had his reasons for picking the 8x NBA All-Star. The former Washington Wizards guard stressed that Howard had a better career than O'Neal in a Magic uniform.
Speaking to Shannon Sharpe on the "Nightcap Show" podcast, Arenas had a crisp explanation:
“Howard's resume is just bigger than Shaq's in that jersey. The better player, of course, talent-wise, Shaq. But in that jersey, it's Dwight.
Both players were key in taking the Magic to the NBA Finals at different points, but neither of them was able to take their team across the finish line. While O'Neal's team was swept by the Houston Rockets, Dwight Howard's side was edged out by the LA Lakers.
In 621 games for the Magic, Howard averaged 18.4 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks, whereas Shaquille O'Neal had 27.2 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 295 games.
Dwight Howard inks deal with Philippines team amid harboring hopes of an NBA comeback
After making it vocal that he wanted to play in the NBA this season, Dwight Howard inked a deal with the Philippines-based Strong Group. According to Bleacher Report, the deal will run through the Dubai International Basketball Championship, which starts Jan. 19 and concludes Jan. 28 in the UAE.
Earlier this year, the 38-year-old expressed his desire to win a championship with the Sacramento Kings and even worked out for the Golden State Warriors ahead of the 2023-24 season. Most recently, he lobbied for a spot on the Detroit Pistons amid their mammoth losing streak last year. Howard last suited up in the 2021-22 season, averaging 6.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 60 contests.
Unable to land a spot in an NBA team last season, Howard signed with Taiwan's T1 League franchise, Taoyuan Leopards, and had stellar numbers. He propped up 23.2 points, 16.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks and was their All-Star. He was even selected to compete in the league three-point contest.
The 3x DPOY has proved that he has what it takes to excel in the modern league, but this might be another season that Dwight Howard would be missing.
