Soaring Down South
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Which Atlanta Hawk Has the Most to Prove?

By Collin Huguley

Apr 9, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer calls a play in the second quarter of their game against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 118-107. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer calls a play in the second quarter of their game against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 118-107. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after a 109-97 loss against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after a 109-97 loss against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Dwight Howard

Wasn’t this one obvious?

Not only is Dwight Howard one of the most scrutinized players in the NBA, but he comes to his hometown to take over at center for 4-time All-Star, Al Horford.

Howard has been on the receiving end of countless amounts of criticism ever since his forced his way out of Orlando in 2012.

The troubles didn’t stop there as he had problems in Los Angeles that following season. Dwight and Kobe Bryant did not see eye-to-eye, and had disputes over who was getting how many touches. After that one season with the Lakers, Howard signed with the Rockets in free agency.

The first two seasons went well and the team reached the Western Conference Finals in Howard’s second season with the team. But in year three, things unraveled once more. Dwight kept quiet and accepted his role, taking a backseat to James Harden. But clearly Harden and Howard has issues behind the scenes stemming from Harden’s reluctance to share the ball. Howard averaged only 8 shots per game in his final year in Houston.

But now, Dwight seeks a new start in his hometown. Perhaps Howard’s final shot at reviving his image and status as a star player in the NBA. While he is in his best situation since Orlando, Howard will still feel big pressure. He brings a new element of physicality on the inside and elite rebounding that the team did not previously have. But many are concerned with his lack of shooting ability in relation to the Hawks’ floor spacing and pass-heavy offense.

But Dwight is working to improve that aspect of his game. He also has shown more maturity his his last three or four seasons, something that many continue to slander him for. This is a huge year for Dwight Howard, but his fit with Atlanta is very good. This could be the perfect storm for both sides.

The pressure in the situation is on both Dwight and the Hawks organization. If this does not work out, then Howard is finished as an elite NBA player and the Hawks let Horford walk for that( and could possibly lose Paul Millsap as a result). This is a big time risk for both sides. But, the basketball fit is better than most will say and Dwight can greatly improve his image by winning in his hometown.

Next: Dwight Howard Can Silence the Critics This Season

But yes, this situation still presents risk for everyone involved. But that is nothing new for Dwight, who is the Hawk with the most to prove this season.

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