Houston Rockets Sign Dwight Howard

The Houston Rockets have won the Dwight Howard sweepstakes. There are still details to be hammered out such whether or not there will be a sign and trade. I will just be covering the bare bones, "Howard to Houston" part in this article.

The Rockets got the best center in the league. Some say he had a bad year last season, but I dont think so. He was not as dominant on the boards, but he still grabbed 12.4 a game last year. He shot the same percentage from the field as the year before, even though his points per game dropped. He is still a very good defender and will help Houston out in that area. He is still a decent low post presence, although his free throw shooting is very bad, but it was not like Asik was much better from the line.

The Rockets now have James Harden, a healthy Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons. That is a big three that has the ability to seriously compete in the Western Conference. They should be able to gain home court advantage. Harden's scoring should not drop and I think his shooting percentage will rise due to Howard being an offensive presence on the inside. Parsons should be able to get more good looks around the three point line. They still might have some questions about their bench, but their starting five will be rock solid.

This was a good signing for the Rockets because Howard immediately makes them a contender. He gives them a decent offensive weapon on the inside. They also will have the ability to make a sign and trade for another player like Josh Smith or Paul Millsap. Houston should be able to gain home court advantage in the playoffs next season and have the talent to advance to the Western Conference finals.

Grade: A