"I'm dead in love with this stripper. She done had all my money" - Dwight Howard on mistakes he made early in his career

Young rookies entering the NBA often find themselves overwhelmed by the sudden influx of wealth. Dwight Howard recently shared his personal experience with this phenomenon, detailing some missteps during his early years in the league.

Dwight on having no mentorship as a rookie

Howard was drafted first overall in 2004, joining an Orlando Magic with seven players younger than 25. The high school phenom had no one to show him the ropes and protect him from the lifestyle of NBA players. That's why he made mistakes many youngsters in the league make, overspending on cars, strippers, and luxury items.

"I remember being in Vegas...They like, 'Young fella, let's go to the strip club. And I'm like, 'Oh, I've never been to the strip club...oh my God.' I get to the strip club... I'm like, 'Oh, this is, this is it.' I'm like the kid in the candy store. Lady started talking to me. I'm googly-eyed. She knew she had me locked.... I'm in love with a stripper. She riding, she rolling. I'm dead in love with this stripper," Howard said . "She done had all my money. She just talking to me the whole night about nothing."

D12 had no idea how to properly manage his wealth and fame. Witnessing the older guys on the roster engage in such activities, Howard initially believed this was the right way to capitalize on his new status. However, he soon realized it was all a trap and that nothing good could ever come out of such indulgences.

Howard can be a mentor

Despite being at the tail end of his basketball run, "Superman" believes he can mentor today's stars and give them guidance no one gave him early in his career.

"No doubt because I've been through it. I know that none of that stuff is ever gonna last, and all that it does is build up that addiction," Howard added. "If we competing on the court, we gonna compete off the court — let's get as many as we can, that was the mindset."

Players undoubtedly face many temptations when they enter the league. Those who ignore them and focus on improving their craft can have a better chance of making their mark among the best. But having a veteran who's been through it all certainly helps. That's why Dwight would still be a great asset on a team despite not being the same dominant force he once was.

Related: Mike Bibby shares a crazy Brad Miller story: "He had two dead ducks nailed to my locker"