From the start, this was the most likely outcome.
Dwight Howard was caught putting Stickum on his hands — then it got on the ball — during the Rockets’ loss to the Hawks over the weekend. At the time no foul was called, just both benches were warned that the substance is not permitted in the NBA. Howard said he did this every game and didn’t think it was a big deal.
The league has investigated, and there will be no suspension or fine for Howard, reports Shams Charania of The Vertical at Yahoo Sports.
The NBA won't suspend or fine Dwight Howard, sent memo to team that drying supplement is "strictly prohibited," sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 21, 2016
While some people around the league wanted to see the Rockets punished for the incident, former Nets executive Bobby Marks (also of Yahoo’s Vertical) had the more consensus opinion.
Agree with the NBA decision on Dwight Howard. No clear rule in the ops manual/rule book regarding this situation.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) March 21, 2016
Howard had used other, allowed products, and has said he likely will just go back to those rather than the spray.
If Howard and the Rockets are looking for another bright side, the Thunder’s Steven Adams thinks no stickum might help Howard at the free throw line.
Steven Adams on Dwight Howard stick-em: "Maybe that's why he misses free throws, mate." pic.twitter.com/5x2Y91PtuJ
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 21, 2016