Dwight Howard has been a household name when it comes to basketball. The Rocket's center player entered the 2004 NBA Draft, and was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic and stayed there until 2012 before moving forward to the Los Angeles Lakers.

But it was unfortunate for his career as Howard had undergone a Back Surgery during his tenure with the Lakers and had so wanted to be at the floor during the opening night that after four months since the surgery, his health was compromise. Because of the rapid rehabilitation process, his body suffered the consequence for honoring his commitment.

But now, Howard is with the Houston Rockets and after twenty four months he is claiming that redemption will be his this season.

According to Howard "I probably should've waited longer. But I don't regret playing right away. I wish the information could've come across to the world about how hurt I really was, how serious the back injury was, but I never thought it really did."

"The good thing about it, I didn't develop any other major injuries. The torn labrum eventually healed itself. But coming back early from the back, I believed it helped me out in the long run. It made me really develop a thicker skin, going through all the things that I went through because of the injury."

"I was always taught never to show pain, never to show weakness, never to show fear. Always put a smile on your face. But I'm glad it did happen. It made me a better person. The world coming down on you, saying you weren't playing as hard as you could ..."

Even Trevor Ariza sees the great transformation on Howard "To be honest, he looks more athletic to me now. He's always been big and strong, but he seems stronger to me, looks like he's jumping higher than he did."

Rockets icon Hakeem Olajuwon watched Howard during training camp and was impress. He said "He's a different animal this year. His physique, his spirit coming together with his talent and skills and health; he has an aura about him here. It's like he's gotten his youth back."