Dwight Howard Sweepstakes Begin… Again
Added on May 24, 2013 by Scott in
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Dwight Howard can’t seem to make up his mind. He sprinted out of Orlando like a runaway train last summer to join the Lakers three-ring circus, only to find himself playing clown to Kobe Bryant’s ringmaster. The duo struggled with chemistry on the court and squabbled in the media off the court. A topsy-turvy season, an icy relationship with Bryant, and Bryant’s unclear health status has once again left Howard searching for a new home. Where will he end up in 2013-14? Let’s take a look at the leading candidates.
Lakers – He’ll earn the biggest paycheck by staying put, but he was a square peg in a round hole last season. Despite playing through pain from last summer’s back surgery and a shoulder injury suffered in January, Howard’s already spotty reputation took another hit in purple and yellow. On the plus side, he led the league in rebounding for a fifth time and is only 27.
Warriors – The latest trendy team linked to Howard is Golden State. The Warriors made an exciting run in the playoffs and have a budding superstar in point guard Stephen Curry. By adding Howard, power forward David Lee could concentrate on being an offensive threat. If Howard is smart, he’d strongly consider the small market Warriors, an ascending team chock-full of youth.
Rockets – Houston made a big splash by acquiring James Harden in October. They could make another by bringing Howard aboard. His addition would allow the promising Omar Asik to shift to power forward and give the Rockets a much-needed defensive presence in their starting lineup.
Mavericks – He listed them on his wish list of trade destinations last summer, but the Mavs are in decline due to age and injury. A core of Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Marion, Vince Carter, Chris Kaman and OJ Mayo doesn’t inspire championship dreams. Don’t completely count Dallas out, though. Mark Cuban is a relentless recruiter who wants to win.
Knicks – A longshot, to be sure. That said, the Knicks are desperate to get more physical in the low post. Tyson Chandler is solid, but he lacks Howard’s explosive abilities. Indiana exposed some glaring weaknesses that could be remedied by a player the caliber of Howard.
