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Dwight Howard considered retiring in 2015 after losing joy with Rockets

Jerome Miron / USA TODAY Sports

As Dwight Howard rides the high of renewed optimism and excitement ahead of his first season with the Charlotte Hornets, he looked back at his lowest point as a pro in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated.

Howard was the best big man in the NBA earlier on in his 14-year career, but fell off drastically following his departure from the Orlando Magic. Afflicted by injuries and conflicts with teammates, the 31-year-old disappointed at each of his ensuing stops.

The veteran big man revealed he was so miserable following 2014-15 with the Houston Rockets that he almost walked away from the game.

"The joy was sucked out of it," Howard told SI's Lee Jenkins of the year injuries limited him to a career-low 41 games, while his team fell to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference finals.

Instead of calling it quits, though, the eight-time All-Star sought counsel from pastor Calvin Simmons with the understanding he'd made some mistakes - with the Magic, Lakers, Rockets, and off the court - and needed to change.

While Howard has played better in the two campaigns since, including last year with his hometown Atlanta Hawks, he finds himself joining his fourth organization in six years after being traded for scraps.

He has career averages of 17.5 points, 12.7 rebounds, two blocks, 1.5 assists, and a steal per game, and has $47.3 million over two years remaining on his contract.

Related - Howard: Playing for Hornets a great chance to 'shut people's mouths'

The three-time DPOY previously revealed that Hornets owner Michael Jordan called him following the trade, and offered some words of encouragement.

According to Jenkins, the GOAT told Howard: "When you're pissed, you're out of control, and you're not focusing on your shots or your free throws or the right type of defense. Why play pissed when you can play determined?"

So, Howard heads to Charlotte to play determined, which he expects will lead to his best years yet. And to think, he could've been out of the league.

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