Wiz of Awes
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 17: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket drives to the basket against the Washington Wizards on January 17, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 17: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket drives to the basket against the Washington Wizards on January 17, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2018 Trade Deadline or First-Round Exit

I penned an article earlier this year, that Washington should pick Howard up at the 2018 Trade Deadline.

Here’s an excerpt of what I wrote this past February, when I was concerned about Otto Porter’s hips. I thought that the Wizards should put Porter on ice until the playoffs:

"“What wasn’t expected was Washington losing to sub-.500 teams and not playing with any sense of urgency. Not playing like the team that was just 12 minutes away from their conference finals, and coming into this season to right that wrong. Nonetheless, here Washington stands on the precipice of not reaching their goal. It’s not too late to late right that ship, if they’re willing to go all in. The main area that is hurting the Wizards is their frontcourt. There are nights when Porter, Keef, and Marcin Gortat are clicking on all cylinders. But those nights have been far and few between this season. Although Porter has had hip problems prior to even the start of his NBA career, the extent has been a bit of a concern. If Washington could rest the small forward for a few games until the playoffs, put him on ice literally and figuratively, so he’s fresh for the postseason that would help.”"

But if they picked up Howard, I added:

"“However, the Wizards’ woes aren’t due to a single player. It’s a collective problem with the frontcourt with their inability to protect the rim. How many bites of the apple are they going to allow opponents to keep jacking up their missed shots?  Or not being there for the putback of a Wizards’ missed shot? The Wizards do not have a reliable man in the middle. As luck would have it the Charlotte Hornets are having a fire sale and everyone can go, including Kemba Walker. However, it wouldn’t make sense for Buzz City to part with Walker. Washington should take a good look at Dwight Howard. Some will argue that he’s a journeyman. But do the Wizards want their journey to end in the first round?”"

But Howard’s here now. That’s all that matters. He is one of the most dominant big men inside the paint.

Maybe Howard does have a chip on his shoulder along with Rivers and others in the locker room. But I believe the more chips the better chance for a chip. Here’s why:

Home/Wizards News