The NBA kicked off its annual free agency period July 1, allowing players to find a new home and a new, juicy paycheck. Although players can’t physically sign contracts until July 10, they can negotiate and come to agreements at any point.
Highly coveted point guard Chris Paul immediately made it known he will be returning to the Los Angeles Clippers – alongside newly acquired head coach Doc Rivers – to try and win the franchise’s first championship. That news is upsetting to hear because it was rumored Paul and fellow free agent Dwight Howard were planning on joining forces on a title contender next season.
But Howard is still on the market and is largely the top free agent available. His search has been narrowed down to five teams, and he has visited with representatives of each franchise to listen to their pitches. The Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks are all desperately selling their teams to Howard in hopes he will agree to a lucrative contract for the next four to five years. And why wouldn’t they?
Howard is still the best center in the league, albeit a few guys like Marc Gasol and Roy Hibbert are closing the gap. He can help out a team that runs a fast-paced offense with shooters that spread the floor and open lanes for a big man to dominate in the paint. If that type of offense sounds familiar, it’s because that is exactly how Houston and Golden State run their offenses.
The Rockets were second in the NBA last season in points per game, as they averaged 106 points per night, according to ESPN.com. The Warriors were not far behind with 101.2 points per game, ranking them at No. 7 in the league a year ago.
Both of these teams are known for their scoring, and Howard can only add to that. Not only can he average at least 20 points per game, but he will also thrive off offensive rebounds.
In the end, I think Howard will choose Houston. The Rockets are a young team with a No. 1 scorer in shooting guard James Harden and a talented cast with players like Chandler Parsons and Jeremy Lin. Head coach Kevin McHale won three championships as a player with the Boston Celtics and is a proven winner. They seem to be on the upward climb toward becoming a legitimate title contender.
If anyone’s wondering, there are also several other talented players in this free agent crop. Players like Andre Iguodala, Josh Smith, Brandon Jennings and O.J. Mayo are still circulating in hopes of signing a new contract.
