How Could Dwight Howard Be Used Better Offensively?

Mar 10, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) dunks against the Toronto Raptors in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) dunks against the Toronto Raptors in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Dwight Howard
Apr 24, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) reacts after a dunk against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

So, what can be done to change this? How is it that Howard can be more involved on offense, without hindering the teams overall performance?

One of the main reasons Howard was not on the court late in games of the playoffs, was because the team needed spacing and shooting. Budenholzer also had to be in favor of matching his opponents lineups, as he took Howard out of the game to counter the other team’s small personnel groups.

Judging by the developments in game 6 vs. the Wizards, it’s very bizarre Howard did not play at all in the 4th quarter. . He had 7 points before the 1st quarter was halfway over. At no point of the game, was it ever obvious he was hurting the team and needed to come out.

When looking at other top centers with similar skill sets, an argument could be made all the excessive attention concerning Howard’s role and limited touches have been greatly exaggerated. Players like DeAndre Jordan, Rudy Gobert, and Tristan Thompson all averaged less field goal attempts per game than Howard did.

The one center Dwight could be envious of in that regard would be Hassan Whiteside. He took nearly 13 shots a game for the Miami Heat. He is much younger, however, and received significantly more playing time.