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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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May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts to a call against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts to a call against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Proper Coaching

Whether one loves, hates, or feels indifferent about Dwight Howard, one truth has remained constant in his career. When the coach Howard has played for has been willing to utilize him offensively, the results have been spectacular.

Mike Budenholzer is one of the best coaches in the NBA, and that makes the Atlanta Hawks the perfect destination for Howard.

Budenholzer spent the first 17 years of his NBA coaching career as an assistant coach for Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs. He was a part of four championship teams, and was widely regarded as one of the best assistants in the NBA throughout his tenure.

Since taking over as head coach of the Hawks, Budenholzer has led the team to three straight postseason appearances, a 60-win season, and an Eastern Conference Finals appearance.

Not only is Budenholzer a brilliant coach, but he’s also the president of basketball operations. In other words, he not only knows how to get the most out of his players, but he himself recruited Howard to Atlanta.

Howard won’t just be playing for a great coach; he’ll be playing for a great coach who wants him there.

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