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Atlanta Hawks: Dwight Howard Will Feast In 2016-17

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) attempts a free throw during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Toyota Center. The Hawks defeated the Rockets 121-115. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) attempts a free throw during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Toyota Center. The Hawks defeated the Rockets 121-115. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) drives to the hoop against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (left) during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) drives to the hoop against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (left) during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

5. The Millsap Factor

One of the most under-appreciated players in the NBA is Atlanta Hawks power forward Paul Millsap. He’s a proverbial jack of all trades with above-average contributions across the board and a proven ability to step up in big games.

Most importantly, Millsap’s game projects to be the perfect complement to Dwight Howard’s skill set.

Millsap can live from the elbow as a fantastic passer who can attack off the bounce, play from the post, and space the floor. He’s made at least 74 3-point field goals in all three of his seasons in Atlanta, and should improve his efficiency thanks to Howard’s ability to collapse the defense.

Howard should see more scoring opportunities, as well, due to Millsap’s passing ability and unselfishness as an off-ball decoy.

Though Al Horford‘s versatility makes him the more appealing all-around player, Howard is what Millsap needed. His ability to collapse the defense will create more efficient opportunities for Millsap from midrange and beyond the arc.

Howard should benefit just as much from having a player, Millsap, who’s essentially a more athletic version of Hedo Turkoglu with a killer instinct and 81 games of postseason experience.

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