Dwight Howard complaining about having too small of a role has been an annual tradition since he left the Orlando Magic. That tradition continued this year during the playoffs. Atlanta Hawks General Manager Travis Schlenk still wants to keep Howard around. From Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
There remains a place on the Hawks for Dwight Howard, according to new general manager Travis Schlenk.
…
“Listen, Dwight is one of the best big guys in the league still,” Schlenk told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “He averaged 13 points and 13 rebounds a game. He’s one of the best rebounders in the league. He’s one of the best rim protectors in the league.
“I haven’t had a chance to talk to Dwight personally. We’ve exchanged some text messages. I certainly plan to talk to him soon and get to know him. I’m not going to judge you from what I’ve heard. Let me see you face-to-face.”
…
“There is a reason Atlanta was one of the top five defenses in the league,” Schlenk said. “He was a big part of that.”
Saying that Howard is one of the best big men in the league is fair, I suppose, since Schlenk wasn’t more specific. Howard isn’t what he once was, as age and injuries have worn down his body. He’s still an imposing force down low and is, as Schlenk said, a top-tier rebounder and shot-blocker.
Is he a top-10 big man? No. Is he a top-10 center? Yeah. So, whatever you consider to be “one of the best,” Howard could be one. Or not. Your call.
