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Dwight Howard is quintessential target for Golden State Warriors

By Nathan Beighle

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 18: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up ahead of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on March 18, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 18: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up ahead of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on March 18, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors lost not one but two key players in their frontcourt.

Both Otto Porter Jr. and Nemanja Bjelica will not be on the roster next season. Bjelica is set to join a Turkish side instead of staying in the Bay Area, and Porter Jr. will be with the Toronto Raptors next season, having signed a two-year deal.

The Golden State Warriors still need a backup center despite the return of James Wiseman. Dwight Howard is the ideal target for the Dubs.

Howard is going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He spent this past season with the Los Angeles Lakers, and the LeBron James-led side did not make the playoffs as both James and Anthony Davis were often injured.

Howard has spent the last 7 years with 6 different teams, and that second season with the Lakers wasn’t even following his first but rather with a season in Philadelphia between. Howard should be a veteran’s minimum addition.

His ability to score efficiently is a huge reason why the Warriors should look into signing him. That, and the availability of the Dubs centers. Kevon Looney played all 82 games last season but played just 81 in the two seasons prior.

James Wiseman, who is expected to be the backup center for Looney, was injured all of last season, and while he did play in the Las Vegas Summer League, his availability for the long-term future is still going to be in question.

As for Howard, he averaged 6.2 points per game and shot 61.% from the field this past season. Howard also hit 65.8% of his free-throw attempts which is his highest percentage since his rookie season. He still has something left in the tank.

Howard led the league in rebounding five times. He’s dominant on the board and can be a great lob threat for the Warriors. He would also be a solid veteran presence, one they lost with the exodus of Bjelica.

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The Dubs need that backup center just in case. Replacing Porter Jr. and Bjelica is important for the Warriors, and Howard would be quality, veteran addition to their frontcourt.

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