Washington Wizards: How will Dwight Howard fit in next year?

How he affects the current roster

The acquisition of Dwight Howard is right up there with last season’s signing of free agent Mike Scott to the veteran minimum. In this case, Howard will make much more than the veteran’s minimum and signing him could go either way for the Wizards.

They traded away Marcin Gortat, so their only other center at the time was Ian Mahinmi. Mahinmi could give Howard a run for his money for the starting role, but head coach Scott Brooks would be crazy not to start Howard. Mahinmi still has two seasons left on his deal including the 2018-19 season, so keeping him as a reserve shouldn’t hurt.

Jeff Green agreeing to a deal should help the Washington Wizards in the frontcourt and allow Howard to stay home in the paint. He’ll take away some driving lanes to the basket for Wall, Beal and company, but on the flipside, he should be at the rim to get more rebounds.

Touches, which were a problem for Gortat, shouldn’t be a problem for Howard next season so long as he brings his double-double mentality with him.