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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) is defended by Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) is defended by Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

2016-2017 Projections and Expectations

Projected 2016-2017 Season Averages: 16.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.0 blocks, 1.1 steals

Projected Shooting Percentages: .603/.000/.595

This may seem like ambitious projections for Howard next season. But there is absolutely a chance that he returns to solid form like this.

Dwight will be in his best team situation since his time in Orlando. He is finally in a set system with a terrific coach, once again, in Mike Budenholzer. The roster is very good and he has great pieces around him to help him succeed.

Paul Millsap is, far and away, the best frontcourt partner of Howard’s career. This should allow for a ton of one-on-one opportunities for him due to the fear of leaving Millsap. Kyle Korver and Kent Bazemore are also perimeter shooting threats and kick-out options for Howard. And as we discussed before, he has a dangerous pick-and-roll partner in Schroder. This team, regardless of popular opinion, has talent that fits around Howard on the offensive end. it will just require some adjusting to make it work and play to everyone’s strengths.

Howard’s off-season work with shooting may not turn him into a lights-out free throw shooter, but I do believe that it will benefit him a good deal. Prior to 2011-2012 when injuries began to hamper him, 59% was a fairly normal free throw percentage for Howard. With good health and good new coaching, Howard can certainly return to that form.

Defensively, Howard will absolutely be in a great place to succeed. Schroder, Millsap, Bazemore, and Korver are all, at least, good defenders of their respective positions. Last season, the Hawks were among the best teams in the NBA defensively and Millsap’s defensive presence down low should allow Howard to focus on protecting the paint more, which is how he thrived in Orlando.

Some of you may think that Howard is a terrible teammate and washed up player, but now is not the time to write him off. He is finally in a stable situation with a great coach and good roster, not to mention he is in his hometown where he will be supported. Howard is no longer the elite, superstar level player that he was in Orlando, but he certainly has more good basketball left in him.

Next: Top 10 Power Forwards in the NBA

Don’t be surprised when Dwight Howard makes the Eastern Conference All-Star team this season.

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