Dwight Howard was released from an Atlanta hospital early Monday morning after being treated with fluids for a likely case of dehydration, according to a several people familiar with the situation. Howard took ill during a plane flight to Atlanta on Sunday and was briefly locally hospitalized upon his arrival.
The Hawks have not issued a statement. According to a person familiar with the situation, the team is continuing an exhaustive medical review but all signs continue to be positive. Howard left the hospital some time after 2 a.m. following a flight from China.
Howard, 30, had recently been in China on a 10-day promotional tour with shoe manufacturer Peak. Last week, the Chinese company and Howard unveiled his DH2 shoe, which features the colors of the Hawks. It also has 'Be Gr8' embroidered on the tongue. Howard changed his number to eight after signing with the Hawks this summer and has worn the slogan on apparel.
Howard has been working out with a personal shooting coach while in China and has posted several videos of his workouts on social media. The most recent post of Howard working out in China was four days ago.
Howard, an Atlanta native from Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, signed a three-year, $70.5 million contract with the Hawks this summer. The eight-time NBA All-Star was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year three straight seasons from 2008-09 to 2010-11. Howard has played 12 seasons with the Magic, Lakers and Rockets before joining the Hawks.
