NBA Rumors: Dwight Howard Signing With New York Knicks

NBA rumors have been swirling around Dwight Howard for quite some time now because he can become a free agent after the season ends. The belief is that he is going to be walking away from the Houston Rockets in order to find a team that better suits him. According to Hoops Rumors, Howard might sign with the New York Knicks, joining Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis in what should be one of the best front court in the NBA.

It’s no secret that James Harden and Dwight Howard do not mesh all that well on the basketball court. Harden likes to dominate the ball and go into isolation against his defender, a battle that he usually wins. Howard likes to dominate the ball, but he does it in the low post. Regardless of who coaches the Houston Rockets, it’s going to be difficult to come up with an offensive scheme that caters to both players and their needs, so a Howard departure makes a lot of sense.

Even though Dwight Howard isn’t nearly as dominant as he used to be, he’s still one of the better big men in the NBA. Once he hits free agency, there’s going to be a market for him. The Boston Celtics tried trading for Howard, so they might just try to outright sign him. Dwight has always been fond of his hometown team, so the Atlanta Hawks might be an option. The New York Knicks are actively seeking more talent, and it’s a franchise that Howard is intrigued by.

Right now, the New York Knicks are built around two players. Carmelo Anthony remains the franchise player. Though he doesn’t look as dominant as he used to, it’s because Anthony has been deferring to teammates in an attempt to make the entire team better. The other foundation piece for the Knicks is Kristaps Porzingis. The rookie forward has shown enough potential that many believe that he will be an All-Star some day.

If the New York Knicks were to sign Dwight Howard this upcoming summer, then they will field a lot of talent in their starting front court. Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis would start at small forward and power forward respectively. Dwight Howard would become the starting center for the Knicks. If they both decide to stick around, then Lance Thomas and Derrick Williams would provide very good front court depth for New York.

Dwight Howard would be an intriguing fit with Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. Both Anthony and Porzingis can hit the outside shot, so that would clear the lanes for Howard to dominate in the low post. A potential issue for the New York Knicks, though, is that Howard cannot stray too far away from the basket because he lacks range. That will make things a bit harder for Anthony and Porzingis to make use of the paint.

Dwight Howard would more than likely supplant Robin Lopez as the starting center for the New York Knicks. Though Lopez has done well for the team, they would really need to move him to another NBA team if Howard were signed. Lopez makes a good amount of money and should be a starter elsewhere. Howard might not do all the little things that Lopez does, but he would be an upgrade because defenses would have to account for him.

At this point in his career, Dwight Howard should no longer be viewed as a savior for a franchise. Fortunately for the New York Knicks, they’re no longer in a position where they need that. Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis are a good combination. They simply need someone to come in and help out. Howard can do that.