Dwight Howard has played basketball all over the world, from the NBA to stints in Taiwan and Dubai, but nothing quite compares to his time inside the NBA Bubble.
In 2020, the league created a $190 million isolation zone at Walt Disney World in Orlando to complete the pandemic-interrupted season safely. The strict regulations ensured no outside contact and required players to undergo multiple daily COVID-19 tests.
Looking back, Howard admitted that the constant testing made him suspicious. Speaking on Podcast P with Paul George, the former Los Angeles Lakers center shared a humorous yet thought-provoking theory about what was really happening inside the Bubble.
Howard expressed confusion over why players were being tested so frequently, considering they were in a completely sealed environment.
“That’s the part that was stressing me out. I’m like, it’s only players here, we getting tested three times a day. It ain’t no way we can catch COVID,” Howard explained.
But what really caught his attention was the sheer number of DNA swabs being collected. Jokingly, he speculated that the NBA might have had an ulterior motive.
“In my mind, all these conspiracy theories is coming up. I’m like, ‘Man, they taking all our DNA and they cloning us. It’s a clone Paul George and a clone Dwight Howard out there somewhere right now. I might be a clone the way they done used so much DNA,'” he quipped.
Of course, Howard’s comments were made in jest, but they highlight the unusual nature of the NBA Bubble experience. Despite its challenges, the controlled environment proved to be a success, allowing the season to conclude without disruptions while maintaining a high level of competition.
A full-circle moment in Orlando
For Howard, returning to Orlando for the Bubble was more than just a unique experience, it was a chance to bring his career full circle.
The veteran center had spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Orlando Magic, earning three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards and leading the team to the 2009 NBA Finals.
“I had a lot of fun, man. Just having an opportunity to play basketball, be in Orlando where I started my career at. Played with the Lakers and win, so, that was the ultimate goal. And I’m super glad that I went and we won the championship,” Howard shared.
During the Lakers‘ championship run, Howard played an important bench role, averaging 7.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. His presence in the paint provided valuable support for Anthony Davis, helping the Lakers secure their 17th title.
While the NBA Bubble was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Howard‘s lighthearted take on it ensures it will be remembered for more than just basketball.
