Dallas Mavericks: 5 ‘tough vets’ to pursue this upcoming free agency

Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard‘s fall from grace has undoubtedly been a rough ride over the years, but the 8-time All-Star has rejuvenated his career with the Los Angles Lakers this season. Just looking for another shot in the league, Los Angeles brought him aboard to fill their vacant backup center spot, and the Dallas Mavericks could do the same in the offseason.

As previously mentioned with Joakim Noah, the Mavericks will likely scour the market in hopes of finding a replacement big man to the sidelined Dwight Powell. While there will be plenty of options, one with capabilities of anchoring a defense like Dwight Howard would be the most compelling.

Although Howard is putting up career-lows with 7.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, that is due to the circumstances of him playing as a backup for the first time in his career. Leaving Los Angeles might not be Howard’s preference as season’s end, but if so, there will likely be some teams looking for an upgrade at the center position, and he could be the answer.

The big man is undoubtedly one of the greatest defenders in recent memory, racking up five All-Defensive honors, earning the NBA’s Block Leader honors twice, and an incredible three Defensive Player of the Year awards. Adding him into this Dallas frontcourt would give them a much-needed boost on the defensive end, along with some much-desired toughness.