2013 NBA Free Agency Picks and Predictions: What Team Will Dwight Howard Sign With?

2013 NBA Free Agency Picks and Predictions: What Team Will Dwight Howard Sign With?: While the NBA’s free agency period is technically underway, new deals can’t actually be signed until July 10. That being said, players are free to meet and talk with teams, and there is no bigger name in this year’s free agent pool than Dwight Howard. Arguably the best big man in the game and a top-five player when healthy, Howard talked his way out of Orlando only to endure a disastrous season as a Los Angeles Laker last year. When he was initially traded to Los Angeles, it was basically assumed he would sign an extension and become the next great Laker big man. However, issues with coaching and Kobe Bryant along with below average play have thrown his future with the franchise in doubt. Howard is currently testing the free agent waters, and five teams have emerged as contenders for his services. As he meets with teams and prepares to make his decision, I have ranked the teams he is most likely to sign with.

1.      Houston Rockets: By meeting with the Rockets right out of the gate, Howard has made it clear that he has plenty of interest in signing with the organization. Houston has plenty of money to throw Howard’s way, and he would save money because of the state’s income tax structure. More importantly, they have rising stars James Harden and Chandler Parsons on the roster to go along with some other quality pieces. Add Howard’s defensive presence to the mix, and the Rockets suddenly look like a team that could make some real noise in the postseason. Meanwhile, a move to Houston would also allow Howard to work with Hakeem Olajuwon on a regular basis to refine his post game. Last but not least, signing with the Rockets would help Howard avoid some of the pressure that followed him to Los Angeles, and for a guy like Howard with a care-free attitude, getting away from Kobe Bryant and his win-at-all-cost mentality could be another plus.

2.      Los Angeles Lakers: If Howard cares at all about his long-term legacy, the Lakers offer him the best chance to establish himself as one of the best big men of all-time. From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Shaquille O’Neal and others, the best centers in the game always seem to end up wearing the purple and gold. Granted, the franchise doesn’t offer him the best chance to win next year, but with a ton of cap space starting in 2014 and a proven history of landing top free agents, Howard doesn’t really have to worry about having a competitive team around him. On the flip side, Howard was not a fan of Mike D’Antoni’s system, and he didn’t seem to like playing second fiddle or being pushed by Kobe Bryant. The Lakers might axe D’Antoni to bring Howard back, but Bryant isn’t going anywhere.

3.      Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have been swinging and missing on big free agents lately, but they will try to end that by nabbing Howard. Ironically, they will likely have to sell him on their ability to use their ample cap space to surround him with plenty of talent in a two-year rebuilding project centered around Howard. The Texas tax breaks are once again in play, and Mark Cuban’s reputation for taking care of his top players and his ability to open doors off the court make nice selling points, as well. There have also been rumors that Dallas has been trying to work a trade with Boston to land Rajon Rondo, and the chance to play with an excellent distributor would likely sweeten the pot for Howard. However, the Mavericks will have to get that deal done quickly if that is going to be the difference between signing Howard and watching him go elsewhere.

4.      Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta can offer Howard the chance to play in his home-state, and he would basically be considered a hero as long as he made the Hawks competitive. Given the fact that his psyche and ego seem very fragile at times, the chance to play in a situation where a championship isn’t expected could be attractive. Meanwhile, Atlanta does have a lot of cap room to work with so the Hawks could assemble a fairly dangerous roster. While signing with the Hawks gives Howard a chance to win and be loved by Atlanta fans, his overall marketability will be somewhat limited. Let’s face it. The Hawks don’t have the national following of the Lakers, the overseas connection of the rockets or an owner like Mark Cuban that can provide plenty of opportunities for Howard of the court. Will Howard really be happy just being a big fish in a small pond like he was in Orlando.

5.      Golden State Warriors

From a basketball standpoint, Howard fits well in Golden State. He would be surrounded by deadly shooters like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson that haven’t even reached their prime yet, and his presence in the paint would address the team’s biggest need and give the Warriors a chance to make some real noise in the Western Conference. That being said, a sign-and-trade deal would be needed for Howard to land in Golden State, and despite a raucous group of loyal fans, the Warriors don’t exactly have a huge following or a rich history of sustained success.

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