Fansided

NBA Season Preview 2018-19: Every team’s best case scenario

By John Hugar

SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
18 of 31
Next
Dwight Howard
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 23: Dwight Howard #21 of the Washington Wizards poses for a portrait after an introductory press conference at the Capital One Arena on July 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Washington Wizards

Exactly how far you think this team can go likely depends on your answer to one question: just how bad of a teammate do you think Dwight Howard is? I mean, he clearly makes them better on paper. He’s not what he used to be, but he still fills box scores! He’s better than Marcin Gortat! Still, reputations come for a reason, and it’s understandable that people not only don’t see him moving the needle, but perhaps derailing what’s existed for a half-decade now.

But hey, let’s talk about the good he could do. He’s going to grab rebounds, he’s going to work around the basket, and he’s going to benefit from playing with John Wall. His defense has taken a hit over the year’s but he’s a still a positive defender. I don’t really see Dwight making this team worse on paper, it’s just a question of if he can keep his mouth shut, and not alienate the locker room. Really, the responsibility is on Wall to let Dwight know it’s his team.

I can’t blaze Wizards fans for being skeptical here; he’s not the most fun guy to root for, but if Howard has finally learned how to play well with others, this could be quite scary team, one that should make the playoffs, and could win a series.