Will Dwight Howard compromise with Mike Budenholzer on his status within the offense? Dwight Howard looks to become more than a non-option on the Atlanta Hawks.
Last offseason Dwight Howard decided that it was time to return to his roots, signing a three-year $70 million contract with his hometown Atlanta Hawks. Superman was finally home.
In arguably his best season since his Orlando Magic days, Dwight Howard finished the season averaging 13.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. Howard did what he was brought here to do, and that is rebound and protect the paint. During exit interviews, Howard voiced his displeasure with how he was being used on offense, or more accurately, how he wasn’t being used on offense.
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There is no reason to pay someone $70 million and have them not be a part of the offense. Dwight Howard has never been an offensive specialist at any point in his career, but he isn’t awful on that end of the court either.
Dwight even broke the Hawks’ regular season record for field goal percentage. When he has position under the basket Dwight Howard is absolute money.
The problem is, whenever Dwight has sealed off his man the ball doesn’t come his way. It appears that he is the last option on offense, even when he is the only clear option to score on some possessions.
He simply isn’t being looked at on that side of the court. When you are brought in to a team with no real No. 1 option, and you are being treated as a non-option, you have every right to be upset.
Dwight Howard is a humble guy and has stated that he will just work on his game and won’t focus on anything else in the offseason. Coach Mike Budenholzer stated that he is open to having discussion with Dwight in hopes to clear the air. Shortly after the exit interviews concluded, Dennis Schroder tweeted that the team needs to do better at including Dwight Howard into the offense.
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That mission starts with Dennis Schroder, as he will need to improve his skill in directing a team. Dwight Howard will continue provide double-doubles on a nightly basis, but it is up to the Hawks to decide on how to best utilize him in the future.