3 former All-Stars the Boston Celtics should still pursue this summer

Boston Celtics target No. 3) Dwight Howard

With reports surfacing that Dwight Howard is unlikely to be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers for next season, the 36-year-old will now be looking for a new employer to potentially reap the rewards of his specific skill set and, to many, it is believed that the Boston Celtics could be that team. 

Look, is Dwight Howard the same guy who, just around 10 years ago was the definitive best big man and easily one of the best players in the entire association? Absolutely not.

Having said that, though it would be nice to get someone of this ilk, the C’s don’t necessarily need that. Instead, they could use for a lob-snatching, defensive-minded, big-bodied presence down low to have as a security blanket for Time Lord at the pivot.

Some fans may not like to admit it for some strange reason, but Howard, even with his regressions, is still very much someone who fits this description.

Since taking on a full-time reserve role back in 2019-20, Dwight has been posting impressive averages of 14.2 points, 14.9 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per 75 possessions while shooting a highly efficient 64 percent from the floor whilst boasting a defensive rating of 104 along the way.

Considering he’s been this effective in a bench role over the years, has a menacing stature of 6-10, 265-pounds, and would likely come at the low cost of a veteran’s minimum salary, there may not be many better options for the Boston Celtics to consider with their minimal salary space.

The last truly dominant center in this league, even if he brings a fraction of what he once was to the C’s, as an insurance policy to Robert Williams (someone with somewhat of a similar skill set, mind you) on paper Dwight Howard could be a perfect addition to the big man rotation.