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Atlanta Hawks 2016-2017 Player Preview: Dwight Howard

By Collin Huguley

Feb 19, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) shoots a free throw against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Rockets won 116-100. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) shoots a free throw against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Rockets won 116-100. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-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 /

2015-2016 Year in Review

2015-2016 Season Averages: 13.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.6 blocks, 1.0 steals

Shooting Percentages: .620/.000/.489

This past season with the Houston Rockets was perhaps to most tumultuous of Howard’s career.

Team chemistry was once again at the center of the issues, further adding to Howard’s reputation as a bad locker room guy. He was paired with James Harden and the two could never really form a great chemistry during Howard’s stay in Houston.

Last season was rock bottom for that relationship.

The big issue was on the front was touches. Houston’s offense revolved around Harden and Howard was relegated to a measly 8.5 field goal attempts per game, the lowest since his rookie season.

But with those chances, Dwight actually fared well. His 62 percent field goal percentage was the highest mark of his career and while he was not heavily involved in the offense, he was efficient with his chances.

The Rockets were an absolute mess on the defensive end, making it hard to gauge if Howard’s defensive capabilities have eroded, or if he was surrounded by bad defenders (i.e. Harden). Nonetheless, he remains a more than adequate paint protector due to his physical presence. Howard’s rebounding was also strong, as it has always been.

The Rockets were a dumpster fire last year. They fired their coach, almost missed the playoffs one year after a Western Conference Finals appearance, and reports surfaced that Harden and Howard lobbied for the other to be traded.

But when solely assessing Howard, it is tough. He certainly had a down year from a scoring perspective, but his field goal percentage was very good. He was double-double machine, as he has always been, and was the only interior presence on the Houston roster. Howard was certainly not the best version of himself, but the lack of success for the Rockets and Howard can also be traced back to schematic fit and team chemistry. Those factors drug everyone down last season.

Next: Strengths

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