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Atlanta Hawks: What does the future hold for Dwight Howard?

By Matthew Brothers

Apr 28, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) walks off of the floor after their game against the Washington Wizards in game six of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) walks off of the floor after their game against the Washington Wizards in game six of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Just days into the off-season, Dwight Howard rumors are already swarming in Atlanta.

I wish I could say I’m not surprised. However, controversy around Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard is nothing new. Dwight’s path from Orlando, Los Angeles, Houston, and now to Atlanta was filled with plenty of bumps along the way. So, the fact that Howard is unhappy is about as shocking as the sun rising. Bringing Dwight in last season was initially surprising for me seeing as he didn’t really fit in Coach Bud’s style of play. In any case though, the Hawks slowed down a little bit and finished in about the same position as the 2015-2016 season, albeit a first round playoff exit. All in all, Dwight’s deal is for at least two more years, but in my opinion, he could be gone sooner.

Production is a key factor regarding Dwight Howard. While his rebounding numbers were excellent, his 13.5 points per game were the fewest since his rookie season in Orlando. Also, his 1.2 blocks per game ended up as the lowest averages of Dwight’s career. In the past, coaches could deal with the personality factor because of great production, but this decline and the age factor is very concerning.

The pressing issue as of now is the diminishing role. After game six, Dwight Howard was apparently upset with the fact he was on the bench late in the fourth over the last couple games. Watching the games, I had no problem with Dwight sitting not just because of the free throw issues. It was mainly because of the lack of defense. Dwight was not giving Atlanta the plus defense they needed to offset his offensive liabilities. Hence, the Hawks went a different direction.

Options?

Nov 30, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (left) and center Dwight Howard on the bench against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Hawks 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (left) and center Dwight Howard on the bench against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Hawks 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The possible options between Dwight Howard and the Atlanta Hawks are limited to say the least. As reported earlier, the only possible trade return would likely be a second-rounder and cap relief. With Howard’s contract and decline, that fact is not unprecedented at all. If you include his difficult attitude and locker room presence, a trade seems even less likely. It remains to be seen if Howard could thrive in the right system, but I am not sure Atlanta is that place. The Hawks’ priority this off-season is resigning Paul Millsap so Dwight is certainly secondary. As I’ve written before, the resigning of Tim Hardaway should also be vital for Atlanta. Most likely, Dwight will be on the Hawks’ roster next fall, with much better communication needed between him, Coach Bud, and Dennis Schroder.

All in all, Dwight Howard is walking a tight rope in Atlanta. Howard has alienated many individuals throughout his time in the league with the Hawks organization perhaps next on the list. The future is murky for Dwight and controversy this early in the off-season is not good at all. Only time will tell where this is headed.

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