The New York Knicks are actively looking for ways to improve the center position on their roster, and they may have to find an unorthodox way to do so.
It’s been 20 years since Dwight Howard was selected by the Orlando Magic with the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, and he’s a far cry from the player he once was when he entered the league.
In his prime, Howard was the best center and perhaps the best defender in the game. While he may not have the same athleticism today that he did back then, those instincts would be welcome on the Knicks’ current roster.
The Knicks are looking for a replacement for Isaiah Hartenstein, who was their best rim protector last season and helped New York become a top-tier defense. Howard isn’t needed on offense, but rather in times when he can protect the rim and help give the Knicks some size.
Howard, 38, hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2021-22 campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers, but he’s eager to get back into the league. Since leaving the NBA, Howard has been playing professionally in Taiwan.
Howard has made millions and millions during his NBA career, and he will most likely be inducted into the Hall of Fame one day. He doesn’t need to play more, but he does it because he wants to.
If he were convinced by an NBA team that could find him a modest but decent role in the league, he would come back without hesitation. Perhaps the Knicks could be that team that could bring Howard back to the league for one last time in his fairytale career.
