2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 centers that need to be signed

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 26 (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 26 (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) /
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2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 centers that need to be signed
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 10: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after being fouled during the first half of a game against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on November 10, 2021 in Los Angeles, California, 2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 centers that need to be signed. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 centers that need to be signed – Dwight Howard

Over the last three years with the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers, Dwight Howard has transformed into a reliable backup center. After a solid season with the Lakers last season, the big man is still a free agent, and there should be some interested teams. While he is not the dominant force that he once was, Howard could certainly help a contender nightly, even at 36 years old.

On impact, Howard would be a quality addition to any team’s center rotation. The 18-year veteran would not only provide depth with a household name, but he can still add more strong rebounding and defense to a roster at this stage in his career.

Throughout the last three seasons, Howard has averaged 6.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 16.8 minutes per contest. Numbers like that are serviceable for a backup center, especially one with as much experience as Howard has earned over the years, as he has over 1,300 total NBA games played under his belt.

If Howard were to be signed, it would be on a minimum deal. Teams looking to add a third center will likely give Howard some consideration, and rightfully so. Once again, either Los Angeles team would be a reasonable suitor for Howard, in addition to other contenders like the Boston Celtics or the Philadelphia 76ers.

Howard would not be a game-changing addition to any team at this point, but he could be a decent rotational piece that can play 10-15 minutes a night and provide depth at the center position. The 36-year-old has previously said that he wants to play into his 40s, and it will be interesting to see whether or not he ultimately reaches that milestone.