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The Atlanta Hawks will face off against the Golden State Warriors twice during the 2016-2017 season but, aside from what would be a surprise trip to the NBA Finals, those two meetings will represent the only on-court confrontation between Dwight Howard and players like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. Earlier this week, Howard spoke with the good folks at SiriusXM Radio and the big man revealed that he doesn’t actually have knowledge as to who plays for Golden State right now.
Here is the transcript (via CBS Sports) and the emphasis is ours:
How do you look at Golden State?
Well, to be honest with you, I haven't even looked at Golden State.
You haven't looked at Golden State?
I have not. That's the honest-to-God truth. I'm happy for K.D. I know a lot of people have been killing him for leaving and going to Golden State, but hey man, he looks happy out there. I did have a chance to, I went to the bowling alley and I saw the first half of their game against the Clippers and he looks happy. He's in a great situation for himself. But I haven't really had a chance to really sit down, I don't really know who's on their team. I just glanced on the game for a couple minutes. Like I said, I saw the expressions on K.D.'s face of how happy he was. I'm happy for him. They're going to be a really good team. Hopefully, it would be great to be playing 'em in the Finals. That'd be fun. 'Cause I personally, they've beaten the teams I've been on the last couple years, and I want to beat those guys really bad.
At first glance, this is pretty wild, as the Warriors have been the focal point of the NBA throughout the offseason, especially after Durant made the decision to play in Oakland. However, it has long been a well-kept secret that some NBA players aren’t really dialed in on the full rosters of every team in the association, and perhaps Howard is simply referencing that he doesn’t know the third string options for Steve Kerr’s team.
This quote has made the rounds since it aired and with good reason. It is pretty funny. Still, Howard mentioned that he was already watching the Warriors (at a bowling alley, but still) and the entire NBA will almost certainly be keeping a close eye on the title favorites throughout the campaign.