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Bobby Marks suggests Warriors as a destination for Dwight Howard

By Nathan Beighle

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 13: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on March 13, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Lakers 140-111. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 13: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on March 13, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Lakers 140-111. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have had a tough summer so far. While they’ll get James Wiseman back, it’s pretty easy to see that they’ve downgraded on the defensive side of the ball, losing out on Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr.

The former went to Portland on a three-year deal and the latter join the Raptors on a two-year deal.

The Golden State Warriors could have a roster spot open up, and it would make sense that Dwight Howard becomes a premier target if it does.

The Dubs tried to replace the services of each, signing former Bucks guard Donte DiVincenzo and former Nuggets forward JaMychal Green. While Green is a solid addition and should pose a better rebounder, he’s far from the stretch-four talent that Porter Jr. was.

As for the Dubs frontcourt, they only have two centers, Kevon Looney and Wiseman. While Looney did play in 82 games last season, he played in just 81 the prior two seasons combined. Wiseman missed all of last year.

That should raise some questions on whether or not Golden State needs to add another center to the roster just in case of an emergency. Most should argue that it would seem wise, even with Green.

Golden State wouldn’t want Green being the only option if the two injury-prone centers go down. ESPN’s Bobby Marks listed the Dubs as a potential destination for current free agency and former superstar Dwight Howard. The Warriors were among the teams listed as the “best fit.”

“Golden State could use Howard but only if James Wiseman suffers a setback and Andre Iguodala retires,” Marks wrote. He is correct as well, and the final roster spot will be Iguodala’s if he does return. It seems like chances are he hangs them up, but few know how he’s leaning.

As for Howard, he is a 6-foot-10 former No. 1 overall pick. Howard is an 8-time All-Star center, 5-time rebounding champion, and 8-time All-NBA center. He’s got the resume of a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He can still be a capable rebounder and lob threat.

He brings experience to the table as well, something Wiseman doesn’t offer much of. Howard averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game last season in 16.2 minutes per game for the Laakers. He played in 60 games.

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Given the Warriors’ shortcomings at the five, signing Howard makes sense, but as Marks noted, it would really only be a reality after Iguodala says he’s retiring which may not happen at all.

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