Atlanta Hawks: Who Will Exceed Expectations In 2016-17?

Dwight Howard

Position: Center

2015-16 Statistics (Rockets): 13.7 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.6 BPG

Slash Line: 62.0/0.0/48.9

Dwight Howard was the move that made the Hawks the top story of many media outlets this summer. Ever since his time in Orlando, Howard has been labeled as a problem in the locker room during his stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets.

While some of his unpredictable actions can’t be excused, the atmosphere in which he played in with those two teams weren’t the best for a player with Howard’s personality. The expectations, playing with Kobe Bryant, and battling a horrific back injury ended his time in Hollywood swiftly. After spending three seasons trying to co-exist with James Harden, Howard decided to move on and find himself a new destination to attempt a revitalization of his career.

The impressive thing with Howard is how last season was considered a bad year when in reality, he still posted solid averages. Now, it was bad for his standards considering how dominant he has been over the span of his NBA career, but for a guy who will turn 31 in December, similar averages would greatly help this Hawks team.

Howard returns to his hometown to get his career back on track. There are no more excuses for him to fall back on like there was in Los Angeles and Houston. Although his name still very well-known, avid NBA watchers have assumed that the 12-year veteran will only continue to decline.

In Mike Budenholzer’s system, Howard offers a dynamic that wasn’t there with Al Horford in the sense that they now have a rim-protector that can enforce the paint on both sides of the floor. He will also be a breath of fresh air for Dennis Schroder in pick-and-roll situations, giving Schroder the choice to attack the rim and throw a lob if Howard’s man collapses.

The majority are counting Howard out already, but everything is set up for him to succeed in Atlanta.

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