Dwight Howard in Free Agency: Why 'Superman' Should Go to Atlanta for 2016-17 Season

'Superman' Should Sign For The Hawks

By Kim Cuevas, CP Contributor Tuesday, June 28, 2016

The NBA superstar onced dubbed 'Superman' opted out from the Houston Rockets from a $23.2 million deal to pursue free agency.

Now as a free agent, a lot of teams have been eyeing Dwight Howard to bolster their current roster. Several teams including Boston, Bucks, Charlotte, Chicago, Miami and Atlanta are a potential place for Howard's next home, but the latter poses as the best fit for Howard. Here's the reasons why:

Superman's Hometown

Dwight Howard was born and raised in Atlanta having played his high school days in Christian Academy at the Southwest Atlanta. Through his solid and promising performance, he was the No.1 overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft. Now, as a free agent, there's a familiar sound regarding a player coming back to his hometown. Of course, we're talking about Lebron James.

Considering the Stats

Despite the obvious decline of Howard's performance in the recent years, he is still a very solid player, especially when it comes to rebouding. In the last season, he collected 835 rebounds which is the fifth-most player in the league. Aside from that, he has ranked 15 in both offensive and defensive rebounding percentage.

Now, let's take a look at the Atlanta's performance last year. The Hawks are part of the five worst rebounding teams in the league right now, placing 28th in rebounding rate last season. Also, the Hawks garnered the fewest contested rebounds in the league with only 12.1 in average right now.

Seeing how the Hawks needed an important center, which can play both as an offense and defense and especially one that can contest with rebounds, Dwight Howard is definitely an agent they cannot miss.

Moving on as a Free Agent

In his recent interview, he said, "It doesn't matter. I know who I am," Howard said. "I know what I have done in my career; no need to focus on anything negative. I have a great life, blessed beyond measure. Doesn't matter. People can talk as much as they want, but I know how hard I've worked to get to where I am today, and I'm grateful for that."

Howard added that part of his job is to explore every option that's available for him.