It seems like the never-ending saga of where Dwight Howard (AKA “Superman”) will end up once the 2013-2014 NBA Season kicks off has reached another fork in the road.
Of course, there will be a whole cavalcade of suitors for the five-time All-Star’s services.
There are also the alleged teams most likely to get his signature on one of their contracts – like the Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets and the Atlanta Hawks (his hometown team).
But, in my opinion, which teams then could he sign with where his presence would benefit both parties?
Here are my selections:
(a) Dallas Mavericks
Easy. Not only do the Mavs require another consistent inside presence other than Dirk Nowitzki, but Howard’s signing could alleviate some of the defensive and rebounding pressure off of Dirk’s shoulders.
It would mean that if and when Dirk picks up another injury, they always still have Howard inside offensively to score about 20-25 ppg given the opportunities.
They have the backcourt machinations sorted out with OJ Mayo, Darren Collison and Vince Carter and the coach that can get the best out of all parties in Rick Carlisle. Cuban needs to stop looking at Brittney Griner and preparing home and away uniforms for the most athletic big man in the business.
(b) Boston Celtics
Just imagine teaming Howard up with future Hall-of-Famers in Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce in Beantown. Celt fans would then start dreaming about even more championship banners hanging from the rafters at Celtics Arena.
How about revisiting the halcyon days of Bird, McHale and “The Chief” Parish for 2014. The Celts need Howard so they can no longer be forced to play a broken-down KG in the pivot rather than at his natural power forward position.
Plus, Howard would be able to make even more All-Star appearances as the Eastern Conference is virtually devoid of pure Centres at the moment.
Outside of the oft-injured A’mare Stoudemire and, maybe, the Pacers Roy Hibbert (who isn’t in that class as of yet).
(c) Atlanta Hawks
For much the same reasons as Boston would need him, the Hawks could use him so that they can shift Al Horford and Josh Smith to their more natural positions.
It was the lack of a dominant interior presence that did them in against the Indiana Pacers in the end.
Having Howard around would ensure that that would no longer be the case.
Horford doesn’t have the size to battle opposition seven-footers on a daily basis, and Smith’s game is more suited to the ‘3’ spot at this stage of his career.
Can Atlanta entice “Superman” back to his home state when he, apparently, has stated that he does not want to do that? We shall see.
(d) Philadelphia 76ers
As insurance if Andrew Bynum will never fully recover from his major injury setbacks.
Bynum could become another Greg Oden if he is not careful, so Howard could allow them to quickly cover for that bad deal that Howard was part of a year ago.
It would be great irony on that part, but maybe the Sixers organisation would not see it that way if a Howard signing gets them back into the Playoffs on a consistent basis.
and, finally,
(e) Orlando Magic
With Stan Van Gundy and Otis Smith not anywhere near the vicinity, and a very popular coach in Jacque Vaughn in charge of the team, maybe the Magic can convince the man who publicly and acrimoniously criticised the franchise in every conceivable way, to return.
His presence alone could attract other marquee free agents like Chris Paul or Deron Williams to sign on the dotted line as well. Or, maybe not. It could just be a pipe dream for one of the most poorly-managed teams in the NBA right now.
As for the teams most likely to grab Howard’s signature, the Nets already have an All-Star in Brook Lopez patrolling the middle, and the Rockets have a much-improved Omer Asik who has shown he is a much better contributor as a starter.
Those two teams really don’t need someone like Dwight Howard at the moment.
Those are just my opinions, mind. Whatever is the case, Dwight will not have another season like this one was for him, both as a player and personally.
That could be a good thing for whomever is lucky enough to sign him up.
With that, “the basketball world has been put right, Because it has been demonised tonight!”
Benjamin Hay
Guest
As for Dwight having no moves, I seem to remember his first game in his rookie season of 2004-05 where he showed some low-post ability. He even brought the ball up the floor a couple of times, ala what Shaq did in his formative game. I will always compare those two in the lack of moves outside of power dunks with no free throw ability whatsoever stakes. But, given the right situation, Howard can still be a 20 point, 10 rebound and 3 block a game performer. I just don't see that happening in either Houston or Brooklyn.
Benjamin Hay
Guest
The article was meant to present other possible options that would in the end, help those teams more than Howard signing with the Rockets or Nets would.I fully realise that he will (no doubt) sign with either of those two teams. It's the same thing with other big-name free agents like Deron Williams. There are teams that could use their services but can't afford them, and also the teams that are more likely to acquire their services. My article was about the former.
Knickradamus
Guest
Why would L.a. Want him back he's not a real competitor his offensive game has never improved he's got no moves!!!!
Badi Sheidaee
Roar Rookie
It'll be LA. Dwight will go for the money plain and simple. Otherwise as stated above Houston is the logical choice with a good team, cap space and large market that I think is also something he is after. But money will talk and LA has the advantage that will lead them to 'win' this contest
Nick Jungfer
Roar Guru
It's going to be Brooklyn, Houston or LA in my opinion. Possibly Dallas. Wherever he can team up with another super star not name Kobe basically. I know he's a great player, but Dwight just seems like a headache not worth having. Its insane.
Knickradamus
Guest
I have to agree with Astro, this article is a bit unrealistic. But I think we can put realistic swing on it the comments, NBA fans are sick of Dwightmare (aka superdouche) and the relentless indecision and ignorance that comes with him. Nne of the teams above are about as appealing as Dwightmare demanding a 9 digit contract for what can only be described as undiscovered maturity. Frankly i dont care where he goes as long as he shuts up
astro
Guest
Sorry Benjamin, but these are 5 of the worst, and or impossible, teams for Dwight going forward...Excuse me for being harsh but: Dallas - the most likely on your list, if only because they are the only team on your list with cap space to afford him. But why sign with a team who's only decent player spent half of the year injured and will be 35 next year? Mayo has opted out of his contract so won't be back, and Vince Carter is 36, so to say they have the back court 'sorted out' is hardly the case... Boston - can't afford him, pure and simple. They would have to trade away half their team to have the cap space for Dwight. Also, Howard copped years of torment from the Celts and their fans in Orlando, so they'd hardly be his favourite team. Atlanta - might be able to afford Dwight, but would be capped out with Smith, Dwight and Horford (remember Smith will be seeking the most money possible at the end of this year so might not even sign with the Hawks). Dwight and Horford would be a great front court, but if Korver and Teague are the backcourt? Dwight has better options... Philly - seriously? They have no coach, no bench, and to say they should sign Dwight "As insurance if Andrew Bynum will never fully recover from his major injury setbacks" is insulting. You do realise that Bynum isn't actually signed beyond this year, don't you? Orlando - seriously? SERIOUSLY? The team that Dwight went back and forth with for 2 seasons, and had so many issues with, he'd go back to? And so he could play alongside the likes of Afflalo and Tobias Harris? Come on... Look, I don't mean to be harsh, but I really think you need to do some more background research before writing articles like this. Half these teams are in no financial position to pay Dwight anything, so they cannot be possible destinations to begin with. And you've left of the one destination that is likely to entice Dwight the most, that if you did any reading on, or knew something about the NBA, you'd have based the whole article on - HOUSTON! The Rockets have the money, the superstar to compliment Dwight (Harden), young talented role players (Parsons, Beverley etc), trade pieces (Asik, Lin) to bring in other players, great management and a good coach. Other than the Lakers, they are the only other realistic option for Dwight.