Washington Wizards: 3 reasons Dwight Howard is a bad call

2. Howard doesn’t fit their system

Dwight Howard had the most success in his career with the Orlando Magic. Stan Van Gundy devised his scheme around Howard down low, and surrounded him with 3-point shooters. He would demand the ball in the paint and either create his own high percentage shot, or attract a double-team and pass to an open shooter.

In theory, he fits the roster perfectly in Washington. The Wizards have excellent 3-point shooters in John Wall, Otto Porter Jr. and Bradley Beal, and ranked third in the NBA last season in 3-point percentage.

However, the system in the nation’s capital is far different from the system he excelled in with Orlando. With the Magic, the offense was designed solely around Howard. He was the first option on nearly every possession, and his dominance created open shots for his teammates.

In Washington, the offense is built around Wall. He executes the pick-and-roll to open up the lane and create his own shot, or attract attention to open up perimeter shooters. Howard is an efficient pick-and-roll player, but he’s used to the scheme creating a shot for himself. If he clogs the lane or demands the ball, it will likely create tension between he and John Wall. It could turn into a similar situation to what happened in Houston with James Harden.

Howard will be the fourth option offensively with the Wizards. With contrasting styles of play, and the potential lack of touches offensively, it’ll be interesting to see how he acclimates to this role.