Dwight Howard: Could He Fit With Hawks?

Dwight Howard will meet with the Atlanta Hawks at the start of the free agency period, but how could he fit within their system?

ESPN’s Chris Broussard reports that the Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics are the first two teams that Dwight Howard has agreed to meet with:

Howard, a native of Atlanta, was pursued by the Hawks his last time as a free agent in 2013. Now at age 30, Howard remains a dominant rebounder, but has lost some of his offensive prowess.

The Hawks are a team in dire need of improved rebounding, as they finished last season in the bottom third of the league in that category.

Though rebounding isn’t everything (as teams like the Spurs and the LeBron James-led Heat have shown us in the past), limiting opponent’s second chance opportunities are key to the Hawks success.

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Still, could Dwight Howard actually fit in Atlanta, given the Hawks offensive system? That is a question that is difficult to answer.

Howard’s offensive game is completely incompatible with what the Hawks have done over the past few years under Mike Budenholzer. Bud’s system is predicated on shooting the basketball — a skill that Howard has never had and never will possess.

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Howard was at one time a dominant low post player while in Orlando, but still was not an effective jump-shooter. The Hawks like to use their bigs to space the floor, bring opposing forwards out from the paint to give their guards room to penetrate.

Howard would not give Atlanta the ability to do that. With his diminished offensive presence and lack of a viable jump shot, it would seem that he does not fit what the Hawks want to do offensively. His inability to make free-throws is also a liability, especially in late game situations.

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Another issue with the Hawks potentially bringing Howard into the fold is how the coaching staff would make the dynamic of Howard, Paul Millsap and a potential return of Al Horford work.

Al Horford has played out of position for the last nine years, but has performed admirably at center, making four All-Star appearances for the Eastern Conference. Horford is perfectly capable of remaining at center.

Paul Millsap is undersized at power forward, but has overcome his physical limitations en route to two consecutive All-Star appearances for the Hawks.

Millsap’s ability to shoot, coupled with his defense and rebounding skills have given Atlanta a big man that can space the floor and play down low.

If Howard were to come to Atlanta, it would be difficult to see how the Hawks could make this dynamic work between all three players. Something would have to change.

Most likely for this scenario to work if all three were in the starting lineup, Paul Millsap would have to slide to the small forward position. While he has played there before and is capable of doing so, it is not ideal.

In order for all the pieces to fit, someone would have to come off the bench. In this scenario, I think Howard would be the best candidate; though I don’t think he would react well to a reserve role.

If Howard could take the place of Tiago Splitter come off the Hawks bench with Atlanta rotating their three big men, it could work well.

Howard’s rebounding and rim protection would immediately benefit the Hawks in certain situations without completely compromising Millsap and Horford’s ability to space the floor.

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It would give Mike Budenholzer one of the most potent frontcourts in the league, while also affording him the flexibility to react to different game situations.

It would not make the Hawks immediate title contenders, but it would go a long way in solidifying the rebounding and size issues that have plagued the Hawks for years.

The Hawks were second in the NBA in defensive efficiency in 2015-16 and Dwight Howard would help them become even better. That being said, the only way this works is if one of these players is willing to come off the bench.

Howard’s ego has always been huge, and a move to the bench would be a serious blow to a player who was once a superstar. If he can set that ego aside, come into Atlanta with a good attitude and a willingness to grow up and accept a role like that, he could make the Hawks a much better team.

The only way Howard works on the Hawks is if he accepts a bench role — and given the cost of paying a max contract for a bench player, it’s probably not the best fit for both parties.

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Dwight Howard’s offensive game may not be the perfect fit the Hawks, but given the right situation and role, he could flourish in Atlanta. It’s just a matter of setting his ego aside and buying into Bud’s system.