Dallas Mavericks: Will they sign Dwight Howard this offseason?

Why the Dallas Mavericks should be interested in Dwight Howard

Howard is no longer a perennial All-Star or 20-plus points per game scorer, but he has transformed himself into a solid role player for the Lakers this season. The 34-year-old is averaging 7.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 19.2 minutes per over 62 games heading into Orlando. Howard still does most of his work around the rim and struggles from the free throw line.

He would make the biggest impact on the Mavericks defense. Howard is 24th in defensive box score plus-minus, 34th in defensive win shares, and 101st in FiveThirtyEight’s defensive RAPTOR this season. His rim protection and rebounding can change a game.

Howard is still an outstanding roll man too. He scored 1.29 points per possession in those situations according to NBA Stats. That ranked in the top 20 percent in the NBA. The Mavericks would use him to set screens and create vertical space in their already elite offense.

Dwight Howard would provide an upgrade for the Dallas Mavericks on both ends of the floor. They could still use him for around 20 minutes per game, playing him mostly with the second unit. Coach Rick Carlisle would find a few new wrinkles to get Howard easy buckets at the rim too.

Next: Why Mavs should avoid Howard