Tim Howard, U.S. World Cup Star, Wants To Play In The NBA


Tim Howard, the stand out star of the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team at the World Cup Tournament in Brazil, wants to take his skills to the NBA and play for the New York Knicks.

Howard, the goalkeeper during the United States’ incredible World Cup run where they successfully survived the dreaded “group of death,” only to lose to Belgium in the round of sixteen, is originally from North Brunswick, New Jersey. North Brunswick is only an hour from Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks call home.

Tim Howard was the star of the World Cup and now wants to play in the NBA

Howard even posted a picture of himself in a Knicks’ jersey on his Twitter feed earlier today in hopes that Knicks’ team president, Phil Jackson could clear up enough cap space for the stalwart netminder.

Howard, who is only 6-3, gained superstar status when he had a record sixteen saves against Belgium in the second round of the World Cup in Brazil. Soon after, the internet took over with a series of comical memes of things that Tim Howard could save.

Could Howard give the Knicks some much needed help blocking the rim like he does a soccer goal? Probably not. Howard is the same height as Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash, so his blocking skills would be tested early and often by much bigger, stronger and faster NBA players. But with the fame that comes with success in the World Cup, including the cover of the newest issue of Adweek, anything is possible.

Howard has basketball experience having played at North Brunswick High School in New Jersey where he used to go up against Jay Williams, who played for St. Joe’s of Metuchen. Williams went on to a successful career at Duke and later the NBA.

As Howard’s legend grows, Americans are learning more and more about the smooth-headed goalie that inspired millions with his play. Tim Howard suffers from Tourette’s Syndrome and has since his was a teenager. In fact, when he first signed with the Manchester United in 2003, the British tabloids called Howard “retarded,” “handicapped,” and “disabled.”

In an interview with a German magazine in 2013, recently recounted in an article in The Washington Post, Howard explained how he handles his affliction during a match, even though his tics and occasional flare ups didn’t prevent his lights out performance in Brazil.

“I don’t suppress it,” he told the German publication. But when an opposing striker approaches and readies an attack his muscles miraculously calm. “I have no idea how I do it,” he said. “Not even my doctors can explain it to me. It’s probably because at that moment my concentration on the game is stronger than the Tourette’s syndrome.”

Tim Howard has not let Tourette’s Syndrome stop him. He is a world-class soccer star, and he has proven time and again that he can overcome anything. So, if Tim Howard wants to play in the NBA, watch out Lebron James. A basketball net is much smaller than a soccer goal. And we’ve seen how well Howard defends that.

[Image Via Rantsports.com]

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