Looking back now it’s amazing to think about how far Dwight Howard’s stock has fallen over the last couple of years in the NBA. Howard went from bonafide star being courted with millions of dollars by nearly every team in the association to one of the more uncertain assets set to become available. Dwight Howard is no longer one of the most dominant centers in the NBA but he is still a considerable talent capable of commanding a max contract when he hits free agency. So where will he end up this summer? Here is a look at the best potential landing spots for Howard.
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee brought in Greg Monroe with the hope that he could be the stud center that helped take them to that next level in the Eastern Conference. The move clearly hasn’t worked out with the Bucks taking a step back last season so they might consider Howard as Plan B. Milwaukee will likely have to ship out Monroe in order to afford Howard but that likely wouldn’t be too big of a problem and it would be very interesting to see what would happen if they did land the former All-Star big man. The Bucks have a talented young cast of players but a dominant rim protector is what they need the most and Howard should be able to fill that role for them. Milwaukee already has a very tough defense and the addition of Howard could be an excellent fit that helps them reemerge as a playoff contender and team on the rise in the Eastern Conference next season.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets were one of the biggest surprises in the NBA this season and there is a good chance they would like to contend for a playoff spot again next year. Al Jeffferson is back for one more season and if Charlotte managed to add Howard it would make for a solid interior tandem. Jefferson is more of a scoring while Dwight Howard – at this point in his career – is more of a defensive presence. That tandem would solidify the Hornets frontcourt, which has been weak at times. Frank Kaminsky is so-so, Cody Zeller hasn’t exactly panned out and the power forward position has been a noticeable weakness. Howard would give them grim, rim protection and toughness.
It would also be interesting to see how Howard and Jefferson fed off the energy and creativity of star point guard Kemba Walker. The Hornets have some solid pieces in place and the addition of Howard could really make the difference for them in the Eastern Conference next season.
Chicago Bulls
The consensus after this year is that it was absolutely unacceptable that the Bulls missed the playoffs and it’s clear it had a lot to do with their internal issues. The addition of Howard might complicate matters even more. However, it could also give them a dominant interior presence to complement Pau Gasol up front and take some of the pressure off the veteran forward in the paint. Jimmy Butler, Derrick Rose, Gasol and Dwight Howard would make for an intriguing core and there is no doubt the Bulls would re-emerge as a contender with that group healthy and playing together next season.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland’s return to the postseason was one of the more unlikely scenarios that became a reality even though they lost several talented pieces last year including LaMarcus Aldridge, Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews. It was a testament to the play of their star backcourt tandem in Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, along with the emergence of some quality role players and solid coaching. The Blazers have the money to add to their roster this summer and the addition of Dwight Howard would be an intriguing compliment to what Lillard and McCollum bring to the table. Portland has the potential to be a contender in the Western Confernce for years to come and the addition of Howard would only help their chances of doing some serious damage next year.
