Wizards rookie making Dwight Howard comparisons look real in Washington

Looking across the league today, it's become clear that rebounding is a lost art that teams have desparetely been seeking an answer for.

With the modern day big man prioritizing offensive versatility and floor spacing rather than attacking the boards, it's become rare to find a dominant rebounder on the level of former rebounding stars like Dwight Howard and Shaquille O'Neal.

For the Washington Wizards, it’s been a long time since the team had a rebounding big of Dwight Howard’s caliber — well, since Howard himself played briefly in D.C. during the 2018–19 season.

Even then, the Wizards got only a shadow of Howard, who dominated the boards early in his career with the Orlando Magic.

Fortunately for Washington, they may have finally found a dominant rebounder of their own, who's turning back the clock with recent comparisons to Howard, especially after yet another standout performance.

Julian Reese makes history alongside Dwight Howard

Following a monster performance on Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz, where it took just 13 minutes for the big man to post a double-double, before finishing with 26 points and 17 rebounds.

The 22-year-old forward is averaging 12 points and 10.7 rebounds through his first six games with the Wizards. While that’s impressive on its own, what makes it even more remarkable is that he’s already entered rare company alongside Howard — and just weeks after doing the same with NBA legends like Shaq and Tim Duncan.

Thanks to Chase Hughes of Monumental Sports Network for pointing out Reese's absurd start to his NBA career, it seems as if Washington truly may have found their own dominant rebounding big.

That alone, is why if Reese continues dominating at the level he has been, the former undrafted prospect could shift the team's plans in the blink of an eye.

Wizards have to make room for Reese

As of now, Reese finds himself on a two-way deal with the Wizards after a late-season signing gave the big man the opportunity to not only get his first real chance in the NBA, but to also suit up for his hometown team.

However, with two monster games in just six outings — one with 20 rebounds and his latest with 17 — there’s no doubt the young frontcourt weapon will draw attention across the league.

If the Wizards hope to prevent from opposing teams poaching their standout rookie, they;ll need to do whatever they can to find room for him on the active roster.