Atlanta Hawks: Is Dwight Howard the solution?
As the Atlanta Hawks look to improve their roster and search for that game-altering superstar player, Dwight Howard has been a topic of discussion.
The Dwight Howard idea has been on the table for a while now, but will the Hawks ever decide to make him apart of the team?
After being swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs now two years in a row, the Atlanta Hawks are in need of change. It seems as though now would be as good a time as ever.
The team is looking not only to improve their defense, but to also find someone who has a big game on offense.
Many Hawks, including Jeff Teague and Al Horford, have expressed that it would take a special player to fit into their style of basketball. Whether or not that “style” is particularly effective, or could use some alterations as well, is another story.
Howard will be a likely target for the Atlanta Hawks. He has played the last three seasons with the Houston Rockets, and at the present time, has not given a decision on his future with the team.
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“I haven’t made any decision,” Howard said in an interview Tuesday night on TNT. “My job is to get in the gym and work my butt off.”
He has a player option of $23.2 million for 2016-17, but it is likely that he will instead enter free agency.
The 6’11, 265 lb. center from Atlanta averages 13.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists. Horford averages 15.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
However, it is unlikely that Horford, who will be a top free agent this summer, will be going anywhere.
He loves Atlanta – he lives there year round, and has a great relationship with coach Mike Budenholzer. Coach Bud has also already expressed interest in re-signing him as well.
According to Horford, “I’ve set up here with my family. We all live here. We live here in the summer. We live here year-round. I’m very grateful for all the people here. They have taken me in from the very first day, even though I was a Gator. They loved me. I really love the city.”
Next: Atlanta Hawks: Will changes be made in the offseason?
Overall, Horford is a better fit than Howard offensively. On the other hand, Howard would be better for the Hawks defensively, especially concerning rebounds and guarding the paint.
Whether the Atlanta Hawks keep Horford or finally decide to go with Howard, there will be pros and cons to either choice.