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ATLANTA -- Dwight Howard watched Kent Bazemore choke up with emotion and soon did the same. Wholesale MLB Jerseys China .Returning to Atlanta means a lot.My prayers are answered, Howard said. Im home. Im with my family, so thank you.Howard has a new team, a new jersey number and a fresh start in his hometown.After five mostly disappointing years with Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers after leaving Orlando, Howard says this time will be different. Atlanta is where he belongs.The Hawks hosted a homecoming Wednesday for Howard, a three-time NBA and welcomed back Bazemore at a youth recreation center in southwest Atlanta where Howard grew up. The gymnasium was packed with children, family members and friends.This was all about a new beginning for Howard, who has switched his number from No. 12 to No. 8 for biblical inspiration. In the Bible, number eight signifies resurrection and regeneration. Howard says the number will motivate him as he gets in shape and changes his outlook on life this summer.One of the things biblically is the purging of the heart and throughout the years there are things that have happened behind closed doors that it really hardened my heart towards different situations, Howard later told reporters. I really have to purge my heart and come at basketball in a different manner. I was very upset with how things turned out and what people were saying. I hardened my heart towards everybody.Orlando drafted Howard No. 1 overall out of Southwest Atlanta Christian School in 2004. He became one of the NBAs elite big men over the next few years, leading the Magic to the 2009 NBA finals and ranking first in rebounds for five seasons and ranking second in another.But Howards time in central Florida ended bitterly after a falling out with coach Stan Van Gundy. He joined Kobe Bryant for one difficult season with the Lakers and slipped occasionally into mediocrity over his last three years with Houston.The Hawks, who have signed him to a three-year, $70.5 million contract, believed the time was right to bring Howard aboard.He can have a huge, positive impact, coach and team president Mike Budenholzer said. He can take us to another level if he and everybody are kind of playing and understanding their roles. We feel like it can be special.Budenholzer doesnt seem concerned that Howard is step back offensively compared Al Horford, a longtime fan favorite who left in free agency for Boston.Budenholzer compared Howards inside presence somewhat to retired San Antonio center Tim Duncan. Howard doesnt have Duncans or Horfords shooting touch, but Budenholzer said Howards 6-foot-10, 265-pound frame is ideal for what the Hawks want to accomplish on both ends of the court.Hes more of a traditional center, Budenholzer said. Its been clear hes been one of the top defenders in our league for a long time. Offensively, hes somebody whos a presence inside, whos putting pressure on the rim whether it be in pick-and-rolls or post-ups. It will probably be something more like what San Antonio had for the majority of time I was there as an assistant coach.Bazemore, whos played the last two seasons in Atlanta, returned to the Hawks with a four-year, $70 million contract. He visited Houston, where he said James Harden, Akeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler each made a pitch, but staying in Atlanta was his preference.Wiping back tears, Bazemore called it one of the highlights of my life to build relationships in the local community.I play for you guys every night wearing Atlanta across my chest, Bazemore told the gym. It means more than just a jersey. I feel your pain here. I love the grit that this area gives off. Coming here to talk to the kids, I was here a couple of weeks ago for the court unveiling. To see the progress theyve made over the years is what Im all about.Howard cried when it was his first turn to speak.This building is where I spent a lot of time working on my game and wanting it to make it to the NBA, Howard said. This brings back chills. This area was home for me. My school is two minutes away.Every morning at 4 a.m., my dad and my cousin were back there with me on the track, trying to make it to the NBA. Its great. A man told me, `If you want to get back to the top, youve got to go back to your roots. Wholesale Nike MLB Jerseys . -- Vincent Lecavalier got everything but the desired result in his return to Tampa Bay. Cheap MLB Jerseys Free Shipping . -- In a span of seven Washington Redskins offensive plays, Justin Tuck sacked Robert Griffin III four times. www.cheapmlbjerseysbywholesale.com/ . Following a lopsided 5-2 loss against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night, Paul MacLean told reporters that "theres a lack of focus, theres a lack of leadership and theres a lack of preparation" with his struggling team. That came on the heels of Bryan Murray taking the unusual step of going into the locker room at the Prudential Center and addressing the players himself.DETROIT -- Drew Miller really didnt want to leave the Detroit Red Wings to find out what he was worth on the market. Fortunately for him, the Red Wings wanted the defensive-minded, penalty-killing forward back. Miller confirmed Friday he has agreed to a three-year, $4.05 million contract to stay in Detroit. "Im really happy the deal got done," he said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I wanted to stay because I feel like Ive become one of the key parts of the team." Detroit claimed Miller off waivers on Nov. 11, 2009, after he played 14 games for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He signed one- and two-year deals in 2010 and 2011 to remaain with the Red Wings, and was thrilled they wanted him back with a longer-term contract. Cheap Nike Baseball Jerseys. "Its great to have that security," he said. "It wont change how hard I work, but its just nice to know youre wanted for the next three years." Miller had four goals, including two game winners, and eight points in 44 games during the lockout-shortened season. He had a game-winning goal and an assist in six playoff games after coming back from a broken right hand. The former Michigan State standout has 44 goals, a fourth of which won games, and 85 points in six NHL seasons in Detroit, Tampa Bay and with the Anaheim Ducks. cheap falcons jerseys cheap ravens jerseys cheap bills jerseys cheap bears jerseys cheap bengals jerseys cheap cowboys jerseys cheap lions jerseys cheap texans jerseys cheap colts jerseys cheap jaguars jerseys cheap chiefs jerseys cheap rams jerseys cheap dolphins jerseys cheap vikings jerseys cheap saints jerseys cheap giants jerseys cheap jets jerseys cheap eagles jerseys cheap steelers jerseys cheap 49ers jerseys ' ' '