Washington Wizards’ Dwight Howard is expected to undergo a surgery that will correct a persistent gluteal injury that has kept him sidelined for the better part of this season, league sources revealed on Friday.
The three-time NBA defensive player of the year has only played nine games this season as a result of the gluteal injury. On Friday, Chris Hayne of Yahoo Sports reported Howard had seen a nerve specialist in Los Angeles that advised him to undergo the surgery.
While nursing his injury, Howard has averaged 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds in a Wizards team that is struggling overall. However, the 32-year-old has been one of the most reliable players in the league for more than a decade. Since his debut in 2004, Howard has played less than 70 games in an NBA season only once.
Howard started the 2018-19 season on a disappointing note, missing the first few games with an injury that causes him pain when he is seated. Other than this year, the 32-year-old has been limited by injuries only twice, in the 2012-13 season and the 2014-15 season.
His great form has kept him in the Wizards starting line up throughout his contract, including playing 81 games last season. His career average is 17.4 points and 12.6 rebounds and was the No.1 draft pick in 2004.
