Dwight Becomes a Free Agent

[Brave Sir Rubin]

Not like this was at all unexpected.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/16402 ... free-agent

I've followed Dwight closely, as a long-time Magic fan, through his career. I can honestly say that the man is a quitter, loser, and does not take the game seriously. He will never achieve greatness and I honestly pity the team that overpays for his sorry ass.

[atlwarrior]

I think Houston pushed him to do it. They gave every indication they don't want him anymore. As seen already, he's not going to fit in a D'Antonoi style offense lol

[Andrew]

I don't think Howard's truly cut out to be The Man - even though part of him obviously feels he should be - but I think he's capable of having a bigger role than the one he did in Houston this past season. Put him in a situation where there's someone who can carry the load in crunch time and handle the pressure of being a leader, while still affording him the opportunity to have a decent amount of shots and touches, and I believe he'll be happy with that, as well as effective.

While he has his deficiencies - he should be a better post player than he is - he's still legitimately talented and capable of contributing. His attitude does remain a red flag, but I do wonder whether the right situation can improve his mindset, or at least lessen the negative impact. Zach Randolph is the player I'd point to here: he still has his knuckle-headed moments, but he went from team cancer to All-Star and valuable contributor in Memphis. There was a time when he was far too mercurial and troubled to envision that being a realistic possibility. J.R. Smith is another example of a player just needing to be in the right situation to find his place, make a positive contribution, and enjoy success in the league.

Of course, some players never quite "get it", and maybe that'll be Howard. When the same thing happens on team after team, there is a sense of "It isn't us, it's you." Anyone who throws a lot of money at him will be taking a risk, no question.

[Brave Sir Rubin]

I don't think Howard's truly cut out to be The Man - even though part of him obviously feels he should be - but I think he's capable of having a bigger role than the one he did in Houston this past season. Put him in a situation where there's someone who can carry the load in crunch time and handle the pressure of being a leader, while still affording him the opportunity to have a decent amount of shots and touches, and I believe he'll be happy with that, as well as effective.

While he has his deficiencies - he should be a better post player than he is - he's still legitimately talented and capable of contributing. His attitude does remain a red flag, but I do wonder whether the right situation can improve his mindset, or at least lessen the negative impact. Zach Randolph is the player I'd point to here: he still has his knuckle-headed moments, but he went from team cancer to All-Star and valuable contributor in Memphis. There was a time when he was far too mercurial and troubled to envision that being a realistic possibility. J.R. Smith is another example of a player just needing to be in the right situation to find his place, make a positive contribution, and enjoy success in the league.

Of course, some players never quite "get it", and maybe that'll be Howard. When the same thing happens on team after team, there is a sense of "It isn't us, it's you." Anyone who throws a lot of money at him will be taking a risk, no question.

The only way for Dwight to play to the potential of a Zach Randolph type figure is to admit his faults, take a non-superstar role on a team, and swallow his shit pride. He won't do any of these things anytime soon.

Some team will give him a max contract, simply because he's a big-name big man. That's one hell of a risk with quality big men like Horford, Whiteside, and a restricted Drummond available.

[benji]

Ric Bucher thinks he's going to sign with Orlando teehee

[Andrew]

I remember reading that he said he was open to the possibility. The organisation, and Magic fans, probably have a different view.

[Stress Fracture]

This is expected. He wants to cash in more money in what could be his last big payday.

Dwight's game is still there. His play 2 seasons ago, the WCF especially, can still be considered on top. Harden was forcing his way most of the time this season, and not even trusting Dwight to make a play. Can't blame him if he looks like he's not interested to play, no one's giving him the damn ball down low.

[PeacemanNOT]

What if Dwight went to GS? Would that help them or make them worse?

[skoadam]

GS need big, quick and athletic guy, Bogut is good enough but he never was 100% healthy in GS. Vet minimum this is all i can give for Howard but im not sure about Howard, big kid, zero progress, can he agree ONLY DEFENDER role and maximum 24mpg. He can also destroy team chemistry, its big risk to hire him for every team. I see him in FA pool or in China
GS should try to hire guys like Whiteside,Gobert or Hibbert and/or Noah for veteran minimum, im just guessing, not sure about mentioned players contracts situations.

[NovU]

Has he lost his dominant Rebounding, Rim-Protecting, and Blocking ways? Scoring(post up ability) is secondary now days when teams look for 5. I think there will still be a lot of teams wanting to take chance on him. For how much will be tough to determine tho. Risk is great as he's to enter twilight years within next contract.

[Andrew]

It's also difficult to determine what qualifies as overpaid these days. Salaries have ballooned as the cap has continued to rise. Multi-year deals in excess of $20 million per season used to be reserved for the top players in the league, but we're seeing more and more players approach that figure, as long as they're capable of being solid contributors.

[Sauru]

if howard signed with the warriors they would be damn near unstoppable if anf only if he was willing to be the 4th or 5th option on offense. if he was willing to do nothing at all but focus on defense and rebounding he would be a major upgrade for them. of course he would need to also understand that there will be many times when the warriors would need to go small and howard would have to watch the game..

i personally think howard cannot do any of that stuff