Soaring Down South
Fansided

One Skill Every Atlanta Hawks Starter Must Improve

By Colby Giacubeno

Dec 10, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the game against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the game against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Dwight Howard

Position: Center

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

2015-16 (Rockets) slash line: 62.0/0.0/48.9

The 2016-17 season is arguably the biggest year of Dwight Howard’s 12-year career. Once a dominant force in the paint, he has now developed the reputation of just being ‘another guy’ in the league with his slip in production over the years.

One thing people fail to admit though, is his constant battle with injuries and organizations that do not have a strong foundation. Coming into next season, Howard is healthy and with Atlanta, who is known for having a well-run organization that doesn’t put up with the extra drama that Howard has been apart of elsewhere.

The Hawks wouldn’t have signed him this summer if they didn’t believe that Howard was serious about fixing his attitude and also revitalizing his career. While Howard has said to have been slacking in production, his averages are still quite impressive. Not all centers are still capable of putting up the nightly numbers that he does, but most feel there is still some dominance left in him that needs to be unleashed before he starts to wind his career down.

Improvement on his overall offensive game has been the topic of conversation since he was drafted in 2004. Developing a 10-15 foot jumpshot would make him a nightmare for opposing defenses, but for whatever reason, he has failed to do so. This summer however, Howard seems to be working at developing a consistent jumper relentlessly.

He doesn’t have to become an elite shooter from mid-range, just enough to demand the defense’s respect, which will make his paint-touches that much easier by keeping the defense on their toes at all times.

Next: Hawks 2016-17 Stat Leaders and Award Winners

Howard brings a different dynamic to the Hawks. One that was needed after stalling out in the purgatory of the playoffs every season. Now, they can attempt to take that next step into becoming a legit contender.

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