Dwight Howard Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Eight-time NBA All-Star a 'real option' for Warriors

By Ethan Scott | Last updated 9/15/23

The Golden State Warriors don't have a player who stands taller than 6-foot-9.

That could change soon.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, Golden State is scheduled to meet next week with eight-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard, who played last season in Taiwan.

Eight-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard will meet with the Golden State Warriors next week, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The team has been exploring signing a reserve veteran big man, and now the 2020 Lakers championship center will visit with Warriors officials soon.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 15, 2023

Even at 37 and possibly heading into his 19th season in the NBA, Howard offers something the Warriors haven't had since seven-footer JaVale McGee from 2016-18: significant height at center.

"Warriors have brought in a ton of veteran bigs for workouts the last several weeks," The Athletic's Anthony Slater wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Dwight Howard is [the] highest upside candidate on the non-guaranteed flyer front. Will depend on his mindset in meetings with team's decision makers/veterans. He's a real option."

Source:Dwight Howard will arrive in the Bay on Monday. He will workout on Tuesday & Wednesday. Also has meetings with Kerr & Dunleavy.

Steve is most interested in Dwight’s mindset, acceptance of a role, and desire to be a good vet for the young guys. Meetings will be important.
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) September 15, 2023

If Howard can deliver short bursts of energy and efficient rim running, he could be a solid piece for Golden State's second unit. He could mesh in pick-and-roll scenarios with another NBA old-timer, 38-year-old point guard Chris Paul, who Golden State acquired in July.

Howard's last impactful NBA stint was with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2019-20 season. Averaging 18.9 minutes a game, he played a key role during the team's championship run.

Howard played two additional NBA seasons, in 2020-21 with the Philadelphia 76ers and 2021-22 with the Lakers again. With Los Angeles, he started 27 games — a role he certainly would not play for the Warriors.

Joining the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan last season, Howard averaged 23.2 points, 16.2 rebounds and five assists. In one game, he put up 38 points.

Howard is far from the All-Star he once was. If he's open to a limited role behind center Kevon Looney, however, new Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. should add him to the roster.

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