Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards Free Agency: Wizards sign Dwight Howard, Excellent Pickup

By Jen Julie Smith

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 19: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets fouls Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 19, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Hornets 108-94. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 19: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets fouls Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 19, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Hornets 108-94. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 19: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets fouls Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 19, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Hornets 108-94. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 19: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets fouls Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 19, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Hornets 108-94. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

The Washington Wizards made some moves before and after free agency. But the addition of Dwight Howard to their roster is the shakeup that this team needed.

The Washington Wizards acquired Dwight Howard on Tuesday. The two-year, $11 million deal was finalized on Friday.

It includes a player-option. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, first with the report.

Washington needed an “athletic big” and Howard came walking through that door.

This article will provide a full analysis of why the Wizards need Howard.

It will also explain why Howard may have been the key to unlocking Otto Porter, Jr. after the 2018 February Trade Deadline (Slide 2).

Finally, it will answer why attitudes may be a good thing for Washington. The more chips, the better chance for a chip, I say. In the Wizards quest to dominate the East, and check the West. (That’s found on Slide 3, the last page).

But let’s start with our dominant big man. Howard needs to show that he has the both the mental and physical toughness to help his new team reach their conference finals and beyond. But it’s a fresh start, you can ready more of that in this article.

Howard was needed for a time like this

After the 2016-17 season ended, I wrote that Marcin Gortat should be Dwight Howard’s backup.

Shortly thereafter, Michael Jordan picked up the phone and called Howard to the Hornets.

During the 2017 offseason, I wrote a few pieces about what Charlotte could expect from Kemba Walker for the national site of FanSided, but I focused mostly on what Superman had to offer. Before I was traded back to be the editor of this illustrious site.

Here’s a short excerpt:

"“There was once a force of nature who stepped out onto the court one All-Star Weekend. Draped in his Superman costume, this force flew above the crowds into the heavens, taking home the 2008 Slam Dunk Title that was rightfully his. Known by his alter ego Dwight Howard, Superman had entered the building. Both the heavens and the ground shook underneath as he touched down for his landing.”"

One again, he’s cleared for takeoff, but this time in Washington.

Howard is a baller. Old school, get to the rim, no matter who or what is in his way. That’s his job, and one he does very well.

Every season of his 14-year career, he has averaged a double-double.

Last season in Charlotte, he averaged 16.5 points and 12.5 rebounds. Improving upon his previous year with the Hawks, where he averaged 13.5 points and 12.7 rebounds. He got better.

"“He is a former eight-time All-Star and an eight-time All-NBA selection. When Howard led the league in rebounds in five consecutive seasons, he became the first player to beat Wilt Chamberlain’s record (though Chamberlain recorded four consecutive seasons twice in his illustrious career).”"

However, here’s why I thought the Wizards needed Howard this past February because of Otto Porter, Jr., otherwise they were looking at a first round exit:

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