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Blazers: Dwight Howard – No Thanks

By Steven Dewald

Feb 6, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles against Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) in the second half at Toyota Center. Portland won 96 to 79. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles against Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) in the second half at Toyota Center. Portland won 96 to 79. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Trail Blazers will likely be looking to upgrade their post positions, but is Dwight Howard the right fit?

It appears that Dwight Howard will be opting out of his final year of his contract with Houston, which means the veteran center will be hitting the open market once again. The Trail Blazers are most likely looking to bolster their post play this offseason, which could put them in the market for Howard’s services. Would it be a wise move by Neil Olshey to invest in the 12 year veteran?

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Howard would be the biggest free agent signing in Portland’s history, but that doesn’t mean it would be the right move. He is currently 30 years old, which doesn’t seem like a red flag at first. It is important to remember that Howard came into the league as an 18 year old, so he has a lot of miles on his body. His declining numbers are starting to reflect this point at a rapid rate.

The former number one overall pick hasn’t averaged above 20 PPG since the 2011-12 campaign (his last year in Orlando), and his scoring numbers from last season are his second worst of his career (13.7 PPG). His defensive and hustle numbers have come down as well. He hasn’t averaged over two blocks a game since 2012-13. His rebounding average from this year (11.8 RPG) ranks as his third lowest average since entering the league in 2004.

His statistical decline isn’t the only red flag, as his locker room persona carries a large stigma. There is a reason he only spent one season with the Lakers. Howard had an extremely hard time assimilating in Los Angeles. It might not have been entirely his fault (Kobe Bryant wasn’t the easiest to get along with), but it certainly doesn’t help his case. The chemistry issues from his past once again popped up in Houston this year. The blame can’t be put solely on Howard in this case also, but he is the constant in this scenario.

Feb 23, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and center Dwight Howard (12) leave the court after the game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah won in overtime 117-114. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and center Dwight Howard (12) leave the court after the game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah won in overtime 117-114. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

A majority of the Trail Blazers’ success this season came from their incredible team chemistry. Why would Olshey want to risk throwing that out of whack? Howard complained about being used improperly while with the Rockets, but it wouldn’t be much better in Portland. Terry Stotts’ offense relies upon the fast moving play of his guards, leaving little opportunity for set post plays.

Playing time could also become an issue for Howard. The Trail Blazers already have two centers on their roster that eat up court time. Mason Plumlee and Ed Davis both rebound the ball well and execute their roles on both ends of the court adequately. When you factor in Howard’s declining skills, the margin between these three players becomes very thin in the years to come.

It is also unlikely that you could use Plumlee and Howard on the court at the same time. Spacing would be a nightmare on offense, as neither player possesses a shot outside of six feet. The hardships wouldn’t stop on offense either. It would force one of them to chase down opposing power forwards and cover off of screens against quality shooting teams. If they can’t play on the court at the same time you’d be looking at a major minutes reductions for both Plumlee and Davis.

Having doubts yet? We haven’t even touched on the money side of things. As mentioned above, Howard is opting out of the final year of his contract. He was set to make over 23 million dollars in the final year, so he will likely demand the same salary on this contract. Virtually every team has cap space this offseason, which means he will probably get his asking price. Is it really wise to invest 23 million dollars in a player who appears to be well past his prime? That contract will only become a larger albatross as the years roll by and his skills continue to diminish.

Next: More From Rip City Project

Landing a big name would be huge for the Trail Blazers going forward, but they should still approach the process with caution. Finding a player who is in (or entering) their prime should be the goal for Portland.