Eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard believes he could be a perfect fit in the Golden State Warriors system, with the 36-year-old still seeking to extend his career into a 19th season.
A three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Howard played with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, averaging 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game.
While Dwight Howard may be eager to come to the Bay Area, should the Golden State Warriors be reciprocating that same interest?
Speaking to Shannon Sharpe on ‘Club Shay Shay’, Howard said a move to the Warriors would be ‘perfect’, suggesting he could be a quality contributor to aid the Warriors current center options.
"“I know they have Kevon Looney, and I know they have the young boy (James) Wiseman…But I’m Dwight Howard. Wiseman can learn so much from me because he’s headed in that direction of being a great big man.”"
Howard believes he’d be a massive help to Wiseman on the defensive side of the ball, while also comparing the former number two overall pick to legendary San Antonio Spurs big man David Robinson. He also thinks he’d thrive alongside the Warriors’ perimeter threats, led by elite shooters in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
"“Playing with all shooters like that — Steph, the way he get open with me setting screens, he’s going to get more wide open… Klay the same way”, Howard said."
While Golden State would be more lukewarm about the idea of acquiring Howard, it’s a hypothetical scenario that shouldn’t be completely ruled out. Wiseman has been up-and-down to start the season, showing little capacity to be a consistent and reliable rotation player at this stage.
If that perspective hasn’t changed by the All-Star break, then the Warriors may need to think about calling for reinforcements ahead of an expected playoff run. If they do contemplate using their vacant 15th roster spot on an experienced big, then Howard presents as the best option of those currently remaining as free agents.