[ChicagoCaseyParticipant]

 I believe, and mostly everybody believe that Dwight Howard will leave Houston this offseason. One team that I see him making perfect since for is Golden State. I know they might have to let go of Barnes, but if they can get a dominate rebounding center, they will be more dominate.

 I know this is not the perfect time to talk about free agency, especially for the Golden State Warriors. But, after watching them more this postseason and looking at the stats and roster, they need help drastically. If they end up losing this series vs the Cavs is because they give up way to many offensive boards. Andrew Bogut looks washed up. Mo Speights does not help much defensively and rebounding, and Festus Ezeli is headed towards free agency. If they don’t get Kevin Durant, why not try to get Dwight Howard?

I believe people have been to critical on Dwight Howard game and character. People seem to forget that Dwight Howard is still an elite rebounder and shot blocker. And that I don’t really believe Dwight Howard as such a "cancer" or bad guy as much of the media/fans make it out to be. He just like to have fun while playing basketball. That’s a main reason that I believe he will be a great fit in Golden State locker room, they all seem to get along and have fun playing basketball. And on the court, Dwight Howard helps Golden State weakness in a huge way in his rebounding ability and his rim protection. Also, the Warriors are like a juiced up Dwight Magic team that went to the finals. 

Dwight Howard is not a washed up player. I believe he have 3-4 good to great years left and that the Warriors makes perfect since for him if he looking to go back to the old Dwight days. Other teams to look out for that make since for Dwight Howard are the Washington Wizards, Hornets, and the Portland Trailblazers.

 

 

[juves4783Participant]

boston and atlanta are 2 teams i could see in the mix too.  boston lacks a rim protector and has the cap space to make a competitive bid.  

atlanta has a hole in the center position with horford being a FA.  dwight is from atlanta and would make sense with milsap.    

 

[juves4783Participant]

boston and atlanta are 2 teams i could see in the mix too.  boston lacks a rim protector and has the cap space to make a competitive bid.  

atlanta has a hole in the center position with horford being a FA.  dwight is from atlanta and would make sense with milsap.    

 

[giddyup123Participant]

It’s easy to look at your post, and immediately diagree (and this is what I did). But after consideration, I agree with your assessment on Dwight’s personality. Despite what recent seasons (the past 3) have shown us, I believe putting him in a situation where (a) he does not need to carry the load and (b) he is in a more relaxed (looking at you, Kobe) locker room and more team/defense-oriented (now you, Harden) atmosphere would allow him to maximize on his strengths and once again be back to the guy that he really does want to be (a big goofy likable superman that’s also an elite center). 

As for assessing the fit, of Dwight joining the Dubs, here are my thoughts. (1) the Warriors are the best passing team in the NBA, and one of the best in history (yes, I know it helps having historically elite shooters too)… Dwight Howard is a decent post passer, but making passes and handling the rock like Bogut does on the perimeter will require a mentality shift and improving those skills. (2) Paying Dwight $17ish million (more on this below) is a risk because (a) he will not factor into their Death Lineup and (b) unless he can improve his free throw shooting to ~60%, he will largely be a liability in close/playoff games due to hack-a-DeAndre/Shaq/Drummond tactics. (3) Bogut still has 1 more year on his contract, and signing Howard will require letting Barnes sign elsewhere.

All in all, though, I actually think this is a borderline under-the-radar deal, that while maybe out of leftfield, is the type of deal (not necessarily THE deal) that the Warriors will need to consider going forward with regards to money: Barnes will likely command 20 mil/year to keep him which is outrageous. Despite the salary going up, I actually think given Dwight’s injury history, recent struggles, and willingness to be in the right atmosphere and be on an ELITE team could be enough to reason with him and commit to $15-18 million/year with 3 guarenteed. Bottom line is that if he can imrpove his passing/ball handling a bit to fit the offense (which is a tall task for someone that doesn’t seem to give a s&*t about his FT%), then getting him on a reasonable deal is intriguing givin what he could potentially offer.

[ChicagoCaseyParticipant]

 He don’t have to work on his ball handling and passing ability to fit the Warriors offense. Yes, Bogut is a good passer for his position. And yes, Bogut have some ball handling ability. But, that’s not the end all, be all for this team. It’s a luxery to have Bogut passing ability and being able to handle the ball some out to the three point line, but Warriors are a PnR offense and Bogut is not a huge factor in their offense. Dwight Howard offers more in paint points, defensive prowess, and rebounding ability. He’s great at PnR’s and he is a great screen guy.  Also, Bogut and Dwight are horrible FT shooters, the point in the hack-a-Shaq is irrelevant here because they replacing one bad free throw shooter for another.

Yes, Bogut have one more year in his contract, but the Warriors can always trade or waive him.

In regards of the "death lineup", that should not be a factor at all. I believe Dwight just wants to win at this point in his career. If he goes there he will be playing 30-32 minutes a game.

 

 

[ChicagoCaseyParticipant]

 He don’t have to work on his ball handling and passing ability to fit the Warriors offense. Yes, Bogut is a good passer for his position. And yes, Bogut have some ball handling ability. But, that’s not the end all, be all for this team. It’s a luxery to have Bogut passing ability and being able to handle the ball some out to the three point line, but Warriors are a PnR offense and Bogut is not a huge factor in their offense. Dwight Howard offers more in paint points, defensive prowess, and rebounding ability. He’s great at PnR’s and he is a great screen guy.  Also, Bogut and Dwight are horrible FT shooters, the point in the hack-a-Shaq is irrelevant here because they replacing one bad free throw shooter for another.

Yes, Bogut have one more year in his contract, but the Warriors can always trade or waive him.

In regards of the "death lineup", that should not be a factor at all. I believe Dwight just wants to win at this point in his career. If he goes there he will be playing 30-32 minutes a game.

 

 

[giddyup123Participant]

It’s easy to look at your post, and immediately diagree (and this is what I did). But after consideration, I agree with your assessment on Dwight’s personality. Despite what recent seasons (the past 3) have shown us, I believe putting him in a situation where (a) he does not need to carry the load and (b) he is in a more relaxed (looking at you, Kobe) locker room and more team/defense-oriented (now you, Harden) atmosphere would allow him to maximize on his strengths and once again be back to the guy that he really does want to be (a big goofy likable superman that’s also an elite center). 

As for assessing the fit, of Dwight joining the Dubs, here are my thoughts. (1) the Warriors are the best passing team in the NBA, and one of the best in history (yes, I know it helps having historically elite shooters too)… Dwight Howard is a decent post passer, but making passes and handling the rock like Bogut does on the perimeter will require a mentality shift and improving those skills. (2) Paying Dwight $17ish million (more on this below) is a risk because (a) he will not factor into their Death Lineup and (b) unless he can improve his free throw shooting to ~60%, he will largely be a liability in close/playoff games due to hack-a-DeAndre/Shaq/Drummond tactics. (3) Bogut still has 1 more year on his contract, and signing Howard will require letting Barnes sign elsewhere.

All in all, though, I actually think this is a borderline under-the-radar deal, that while maybe out of leftfield, is the type of deal (not necessarily THE deal) that the Warriors will need to consider going forward with regards to money: Barnes will likely command 20 mil/year to keep him which is outrageous. Despite the salary going up, I actually think given Dwight’s injury history, recent struggles, and willingness to be in the right atmosphere and be on an ELITE team could be enough to reason with him and commit to $15-18 million/year with 3 guarenteed. Bottom line is that if he can imrpove his passing/ball handling a bit to fit the offense (which is a tall task for someone that doesn’t seem to give a s&*t about his FT%), then getting him on a reasonable deal is intriguing givin what he could potentially offer.

[TheGuyParticipant]

 Here’s my issue, Dwight Howard, despite his regression, is still going to get a lot of money over a lot of years and very possibly the max. If I were a GM I would have zero interest bringing in Dwight Howard at that kinda contract. You say he’s not washed up, and while I think he can contribute for a team he’s more or less a role player at this point. Also, he’s in his 30’s with a history of back issues and player who has relied on his athleticism, that’s ony going to get worse. A major red flag, I wouldn’t even bother with him unless I could get him on a short term deal or take a major paycut (and we all know that won’t happen). So from there I’m already out on the guy.

If Golden St brought him in, I do think from a pure basketball perspective he’d be an upgrade over Bogut. But he would still be at best your 4-5th best player and would essentially playing the same role and getting the same amount of shots and touches as he did in Houston. Again, not ideal for a guy I’m paying big money for. My other concern, is that Dwight Howard is well, high maitinence. The guy has proven when things don’t go his way or they get tough, he’s sulks and throws in the towel, he did it in Houston. If I’m Golden St I’m worried the guy is going to start complaining and not playing hard, which is the last thing I want. There’s a reason why players around the league think he’s a punk and is soft, and I believe Dwight’s reputation truly proceeds him. So again, why bother with the guy?

Also, Barnes is a RFA he would cost just as much money as Dwight. Why would you pick Dwight over Barnes? For Dwight you’d be paying for a player past his prime, on the steady decline with injury and charchater issues. As for Barnes, he hasn’t even hit his prime yet and should continue to become a better player, has no injury issues and knows and accepts his role on the team. It would very dumb for Golden State to let Barnes walk but then hand over that money to Dwight Howard.

At this point Dwight is a role player, a big who rebounds, protects the rim, and should run the floor hard and get’s some touches in the post. But he doesn’t want that role and his contract won’t justify it. He’s just not worth the contract, let him be someone else’s problem.

 

[TheGuyParticipant]

 Here’s my issue, Dwight Howard, despite his regression, is still going to get a lot of money over a lot of years and very possibly the max. If I were a GM I would have zero interest bringing in Dwight Howard at that kinda contract. You say he’s not washed up, and while I think he can contribute for a team he’s more or less a role player at this point. Also, he’s in his 30’s with a history of back issues and player who has relied on his athleticism, that’s ony going to get worse. A major red flag, I wouldn’t even bother with him unless I could get him on a short term deal or take a major paycut (and we all know that won’t happen). So from there I’m already out on the guy.

If Golden St brought him in, I do think from a pure basketball perspective he’d be an upgrade over Bogut. But he would still be at best your 4-5th best player and would essentially playing the same role and getting the same amount of shots and touches as he did in Houston. Again, not ideal for a guy I’m paying big money for. My other concern, is that Dwight Howard is well, high maitinence. The guy has proven when things don’t go his way or they get tough, he’s sulks and throws in the towel, he did it in Houston. If I’m Golden St I’m worried the guy is going to start complaining and not playing hard, which is the last thing I want. There’s a reason why players around the league think he’s a punk and is soft, and I believe Dwight’s reputation truly proceeds him. So again, why bother with the guy?

Also, Barnes is a RFA he would cost just as much money as Dwight. Why would you pick Dwight over Barnes? For Dwight you’d be paying for a player past his prime, on the steady decline with injury and charchater issues. As for Barnes, he hasn’t even hit his prime yet and should continue to become a better player, has no injury issues and knows and accepts his role on the team. It would very dumb for Golden State to let Barnes walk but then hand over that money to Dwight Howard.

At this point Dwight is a role player, a big who rebounds, protects the rim, and should run the floor hard and get’s some touches in the post. But he doesn’t want that role and his contract won’t justify it. He’s just not worth the contract, let him be someone else’s problem.

 

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

Is Dwight really that much better than Bogut at this stage of his career ? If he is, it isn’t by that much. So I don’t see the point.

[ChicagoCaseyParticipant]

 The disrespect that Dwight gets is insane. People must not seen Bogut this season and seen their bigs this season. Bogut cannot rebound, cover the pick and roll, and he looks really terrible. I know Dwight have been a shell of himslf, but he was a top 5 or 10 rebounder this year, can still be great defensively, and averaged  14 points per game  12 rebounds per game and 2 blocks per game. That is only being than Bogut by a little? He did all that when his team didn’t utilize him enoigh and was a pretty bad passing team. And the point is the Warriors are terrible at rebounding and interior defense and Dwight Howard is the best player they can get, aside from Hassan Whiteside and Andre Drummond.

[ChicagoCaseyParticipant]

 The disrespect that Dwight gets is insane. People must not seen Bogut this season and seen their bigs this season. Bogut cannot rebound, cover the pick and roll, and he looks really terrible. I know Dwight have been a shell of himslf, but he was a top 5 or 10 rebounder this year, can still be great defensively, and averaged  14 points per game  12 rebounds per game and 2 blocks per game. That is only being than Bogut by a little? He did all that when his team didn’t utilize him enoigh and was a pretty bad passing team. And the point is the Warriors are terrible at rebounding and interior defense and Dwight Howard is the best player they can get, aside from Hassan Whiteside and Andre Drummond.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

Is Dwight really that much better than Bogut at this stage of his career ? If he is, it isn’t by that much. So I don’t see the point.

[CavFanPRParticipant]

GS can sign pretty much anyone they want. Players will be lining up to play there and they could have some cap space available. Doesn’t mean they should go after Dwight, he’s not a good fit there.

[CavFanPRParticipant]

GS can sign pretty much anyone they want. Players will be lining up to play there and they could have some cap space available. Doesn’t mean they should go after Dwight, he’s not a good fit there.

[ballislyfe25Participant]

Honestly I think he is going to Dallas. They’ve been in the hunt for him before, have a good record with reclamation projects, and would probably sell him on getting more post touches as they did with Deandre Jordan. Also won’t have to start paying state income taxes by staying in Texas. 

[ballislyfe25Participant]

Honestly I think he is going to Dallas. They’ve been in the hunt for him before, have a good record with reclamation projects, and would probably sell him on getting more post touches as they did with Deandre Jordan. Also won’t have to start paying state income taxes by staying in Texas. 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 

 

Howard is a superior player to Bogut at this point, but would he be willing to accept a lesser role the way Bogut has? Bogut doesn’t make this Warriors team special with his play, but he represents what is special about that team because he, like several other guys on that team, is willing to take a lesser role and get less outside credit for the benefit of the team. Is Dwight that guy? 

 

 

 

  

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 

 

Howard is a superior player to Bogut at this point, but would he be willing to accept a lesser role the way Bogut has? Bogut doesn’t make this Warriors team special with his play, but he represents what is special about that team because he, like several other guys on that team, is willing to take a lesser role and get less outside credit for the benefit of the team. Is Dwight that guy? 

 

 

 

  

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 D12 is still only 30 years old but has played a lot of basketball over his dozen seasons in the NBA. More importantly his scoring was only 13.7ppg last year, way below his career average of 17.8ppg. So is D12 going to be a 13/10 player about going forward and not a 20/10 player he was at his peak.

Also a new contract would take him up to his mid 30’s would a team gamble on a 33/34 year old D12 on near to $30 million if he took a max type deal.

D12 needs to figure out does he still want to try and be a franchise level player or more a defensive specialist who brings presence and experience to a team. Also does he look for a pay day, a possible longer term title shot or go all out for a title now.

Boston looks a decent fit, Portland could be a dark horse given their upside, Dallas is big market team, Washington have cap space but could him and Gortat play as a duo. My wildcard choice would be New Orleans to team up with Anthony Davis if Ryan Anderson moved on. AD would be the main scoring threat so D12 could get a few free shots. Asik could play around both guys from the bench.

 

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 D12 is still only 30 years old but has played a lot of basketball over his dozen seasons in the NBA. More importantly his scoring was only 13.7ppg last year, way below his career average of 17.8ppg. So is D12 going to be a 13/10 player about going forward and not a 20/10 player he was at his peak.

Also a new contract would take him up to his mid 30’s would a team gamble on a 33/34 year old D12 on near to $30 million if he took a max type deal.

D12 needs to figure out does he still want to try and be a franchise level player or more a defensive specialist who brings presence and experience to a team. Also does he look for a pay day, a possible longer term title shot or go all out for a title now.

Boston looks a decent fit, Portland could be a dark horse given their upside, Dallas is big market team, Washington have cap space but could him and Gortat play as a duo. My wildcard choice would be New Orleans to team up with Anthony Davis if Ryan Anderson moved on. AD would be the main scoring threat so D12 could get a few free shots. Asik could play around both guys from the bench.

 

 

 

[losnopesosParticipant]

 Here’s what you get with Howard:

A proven track record of bad locker rooms.  You can’t blame everything on one guy, but wherever he goes, unhappiness follows.

A great defender that you can’t leave in the game late in the fourth.  You want 30 million dollars and you have to sit out the most important part of the game because in 10 years you’ve never increased your free throw percentage?  

A center with absolutely zero post game.  How much better is Howard now vs. his rookie year?  Any?

How can you be upset that the offense isn’t being run through you when two rookies (Okafor, KAT) have a better post game now they you’ve ever had?  You need a rim protector for iso ball much more than you do for the motion ball of modern NBA.  IMO his value decreases even further because of that. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[losnopesosParticipant]

 Here’s what you get with Howard:

A proven track record of bad locker rooms.  You can’t blame everything on one guy, but wherever he goes, unhappiness follows.

A great defender that you can’t leave in the game late in the fourth.  You want 30 million dollars and you have to sit out the most important part of the game because in 10 years you’ve never increased your free throw percentage?  

A center with absolutely zero post game.  How much better is Howard now vs. his rookie year?  Any?

How can you be upset that the offense isn’t being run through you when two rookies (Okafor, KAT) have a better post game now they you’ve ever had?  You need a rim protector for iso ball much more than you do for the motion ball of modern NBA.  IMO his value decreases even further because of that. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MatosParticipant]

 Whenever I read that a player should head to the Warriors I always shake my head. Here’s why:

What people fail to realize is that players like Durant and Howard will not benefit from joining a team like the Warriors. How much better than 73-9 can a team get? If they fail to win that many games next year with a Durant or Howard, that would only make that player look worse. I know Howard is a shell of himself but that feeds more into my point. He’s a player thats trying to re-establish himself in the league. Going to the Warriors makes him look like a journeyman on his last stretch chasing a ring. And Durant is a top-5 talent. If they wont win as many games next year with Durant, it hurts his stock. And the odds of them winning 73 again are not in their favor.

 

 

[MatosParticipant]

 Whenever I read that a player should head to the Warriors I always shake my head. Here’s why:

What people fail to realize is that players like Durant and Howard will not benefit from joining a team like the Warriors. How much better than 73-9 can a team get? If they fail to win that many games next year with a Durant or Howard, that would only make that player look worse. I know Howard is a shell of himself but that feeds more into my point. He’s a player thats trying to re-establish himself in the league. Going to the Warriors makes him look like a journeyman on his last stretch chasing a ring. And Durant is a top-5 talent. If they wont win as many games next year with Durant, it hurts his stock. And the odds of them winning 73 again are not in their favor.

 

 

[losnopesosParticipant]

Sounds crazy, but IMO Durant can’t make the Warriors better.  They don’t need another star to make them better.  They’ve got everything they need right now. 

[losnopesosParticipant]

Sounds crazy, but IMO Durant can’t make the Warriors better.  They don’t need another star to make them better.  They’ve got everything they need right now. 

[Author]

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