Free agent center Dwight Howard will meet with Warriors officials next week, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link).
As Anthony Slater of The Athletic notes (via Twitter), Golden State has brought several veteran big men in for workouts in recent weeks as the team casts a wide net in its search for a player or two to fill out the roster. Slater refers to Howard as a “real option,” adding that the 37-year-old’s mindset during his meetings with the Warriors’ brass will be a factor in determining whether the two sides move forward.
Howard is an eight-time All-Star and a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, but was out of the NBA last season after playing for the Lakers in 2021/22. He averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game (60 appearances) for Los Angeles in ’21/22 before playing in Taiwan in ’22/23.
Howard’s 16.2 MPG in ’21/22 was a career low, but may be his ceiling going forward — at this stage of his career, he’s unlikely to be viewed as more than a situational reserve by NBA teams. If he’s willing to accept a limited role and perhaps a non-guaranteed contract, the former superstar should have a legitimate shot at an NBA comeback.
Dewayne Dedmon, Derrick Favors, and Harry Giles are among the other bigs that have reportedly gotten a look from the Warriors this summer (Giles has since signed with Brooklyn). The team was also said to have interest in JaVale McGee before he joined the Kings.
Golden State is currently carrying 13 players on standard contracts. The club will need to have at least 14 by opening night.
All those Warriors fans complaining about not having a big man, well here ya go. He’s one of the best defensive big men in the last 20 years and a future Hall of Famer.
The notion is to have a VETERAN big man in reserve, in case Draymond or Looney suffer an injury and miss an extended amount of time.
It is asking a bit much to ask a Rookie in Trayce Jackson-Davis, to step in and contribute Bulk minutes in Year 1. I like TJD’ talent, i just think for next year, maybe a Vet big man in reserve makes more sense with a Veteran, older team like ours.
Meyers was too stubborn in getting somebody big to back up in case of injury. Now they are looking to bring more size with the extra spots. Can Howard not do stupid fouls like in the past?
I’ve always loved Dwight’s game. He was a big reason the Lakers won in the bubble and you couldn’t ask for much more in a big coming off the bench to give you hustle and a presence in the middle. I know he doesn’t fit today’s game as much but he will come in and provide some spark off the bench in a limited role.
I would like to see them fill all 15 roster spots. That way all 3 2-way players could get 50 games each. That would really create depth options considering potential for injuries of an older roster. If they roster less than 15, then 2-players could only play 90 games total. Could be critical with injuries. So, I’d like Howard and JTA signed for the 15, then sign Queta for 3rd 2way.
And the week after, the Warriors talk with 81-year old Mel Counts.
Mel Counts lol
Dwight Howard in the post, dawg
Dwight Howard would be ultimate in NBA Jam and you know it.