Why the Mavericks should sign Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard's fall from grace since his ugly departure from Orlando has been nothing short of stunning.
Howard, the formerly gregarious superstar, finds himself without a home. He carried great expectations upon his chiseled shoulders but Superman was branded the villain on his way out of Orlando, Los Angeles, and Houston. He's clashed with the likes of James Harden and Kobe Bryant and now there's no place for Howard to hang his hat.
By the end of the 2015-16 season, Howard's Q-score hit a nadir. His tenure with the Rockets ended with a painfully muted celebration of a game-winner, followed by a disastrous interview on Inside the NBA.
This has all been accompanied by a decline in production. Five years ago Howard was the league's best defender - full stop - and he was a leading MVP candidate. Now he's coming off a campaign where he attempted the fewest shots per game since his rookie year and Howard didn't even come close to an all-star spot. He finished with less than half the votes that Enes Kanter received.
It would take a desperate team to acquire Howard - especially at his asking price. Thankfully for D12, there's another team in Texas that might be willing to inaugurate the union.
Why it makes sense for Dallas
The Mavericks have built around Dirk Nowitzki for nearly two decades, so they know what type of center to target when they scour the market. They want the Tyson Chandler mold - an athletic shot blocker who can cover up for the aging German.
Howard would thrive in that role. Even in a down year, Howard ranked in the top-10 for rebounds and blocks per 36 minutes. The former 3-time Defensive Player of the Year isn't what he used to be, but he continues to dominate the paint.
Dallas relied on Zaza Pachulia and Dwight Powell to play the bulk of minutes at center. Unsurprisingly, they ranked 17th in defensive efficiency and allowed a bottom-10 rate in opponent field-goal percentage around the basket. Howard would instantly improve their defense.
Howard would also provide a boost on offense. Dallas' two mainstays figure to be two shooters in Nowitzki and Wes Matthews. Having Howard as a roll man diving to the hoop would free up catch-and-shoot opportunities. He would also chip in on the offensive glass for a team that ranked 26th in offensive rebounding rate.
The fit is there, but there are durability concerns surrounding Howard. He's battled back problems and is on the wrong side of 30. Signing him to a max deal starting at $30 million per year would (and should) scare off most teams.
But the simple fact of the matter is that the Mavericks are desperate, and they can't afford to waste any more of Nowitzki's career. They should definitely make inquiries about Kevin Durant, Mike Conley, Al Horford, or Hassan Whiteside. But if they're not available, signing Howard makes plenty of sense.
Why it makes sense for Howard
Having turned down a $23-million player option, it's clear that Howard wants one more big contract before his prime peters out. But he's not a superstar anymore, so he'll have to make some concessions between money and opportunity.
There might be lesser teams looking to Howard as their savior - the New York Knicks are a possible destination. Given that they haven't tasted the postseason since 2013, the Knicks could empty the wallet for an immediate upgrade. They've already made one win-now move with the Derrick Rose trade and they have max cap room to recruit another big name.
But would there be enough shots to go around to keep everyone happy in New York? With Rose, Carmelo Anthony, and Kristaps Porzingis demanding the ball, Howard could be the odd man out - a trend that led to in his exits from Los Angeles and Houston. And how would the famously thin-skinned Howard react to the ruthless media market in the Big Apple?
Such concerns wouldn't exist in Dallas. The Mavericks are looking for someone to take the workload off Nowitzki, and that plays right into Howard's hands. More touches in the paint (with Nowitzki stretching the floor) would boost Howard's declining scoring numbers, and that would go a long way towards rehabbing his image.
Joining Dallas also gives Howard the opportunity to play in the postseason. Nowitzki, head coach Rick Carlisle, and team owner Mark Cuban are a winning combination. The Mavericks have made the playoffs in 15 of their last 16 seasons - a mark only bested by the timeless San Antonio Spurs.
The money might not match what he could demand elsewhere, but the situation in Dallas is perfect for Howard.