Rumors: Celtics Dabble In Dwight Howard Market

The latest Boston Celtics rumors have the club potentially turning to free agency for a low-post force, reportedly showing interest in former All-Star center Dwight Howard

According to a report furnished by ESPN, the Boston Celtics are reportedly gauging the interest of free agent center Dwight Howard, which includes a scheduled meeting between Celtics’ brass and Howard’s representatives over the coming days.

While ESPN reports that the Celtics are considered serious contenders for the former All-Star, Boston Globe reporter Adam Himmelsbach disputes, saying that while the Celtics are doing their homework on Howard, an “aggressive pursuit” is unlikely unless the price is right.

Regardless of the aggresiveness of pursuit, Howard is likely trying to maneuver his way into more big money this off-season, while playing in an offense that suits him a bit better than the trigger-happy Houston Rockets, who are led by shooting guard James Harden.

For the Celtics, a move to get Howard, while risky given his injury history and his propensity for tearing apart locker rooms and getting coaches fired, does make some modicum of sense.

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First, Howard fills an immediate need down low, as he has the ability to put up quality offensive numbers when healthy, while also adding strong rebounding and defensive traits that win championships.

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Second, this move would shatter the notion that the Celtics can’t land a big-name free agent, with Howard being one of the better centers in the game over the last decade despite his injury woes over the last couple of seasons.

Third, Howard could help lure some additional stars and quality role players into the fold in Boston over the next few seasons, especially if he is able to return to the statistics that made him one of the best centers in the NBA just a couple of seasons ago.

So with all of these positives potentially being in play when considering a pursuit for Howard, there is one remaining question: Is he a fit?

Brad Stevens likes two things: Patience on offense and tenacity on defense.

While Howard may not be the 23-point, 14-rebound force that he once was with the Orlando Magic, it is not out of the realm of possibility to see Howard play at an 18 and 12 pace, which would be more than enough for the Celtics to improve on both ends of the floor.

When Boston is at their worst, they struggle to chase down rebounds and defend on the interior against some of the better big men in the NBA.

With the Celtics, Howard will undoubtedly be engaged on offense, as the team likes to work in transition when they can, but rely heavily on production from their shooters in the half court.

By attaining Howard in free agency, the Celtics will be able to work inside-out, which should open up the floor for guys like Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, and Jae Crowder.

Although Howard would be more of a plus than a minus in terms of fit for the Celtics, it ultimately will come down to whether or not he can be had for the right price.

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It is likely that Howard will be looking for a max contract offer, but if Danny Ainge can convince Howard to sign on short term for less than what a guy like Kevin Durant may make, Boston should undoubtedly pull the trigger.

This coming season will be about Howard re-establishing his value. He was able to stay healthy for 71 out of the 82 games last season, but his numbers were down due in part to James Harden and the Rockets freezing him out on the offensive end of the floor.

If he can prove that he is not washed up and can get back to being a productive low-post presence, the reward will be much higher than the risk for Boston.

Regardless of what one may think of Dwight Howard the personality, which includes all of the off-court antics and attitude issues, Brad Stevens the teacher and mentor may quell the notion that Howard cannot get along for anyone who he plays for in the NBA.

Stevens has been lauded on numerous occasions by his players, so who is to say that he can’t co-exist with Howard?

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In the end, Dwight Howard may be worth the gamble, but only time will tell if the Celtics feel the same way.