Should The Cleveland Cavaliers Sign This 8x NBA All-Star?
On Saturday, the Cleveland Cavaliers announced that starting center Jarrett Allen would be out for at least the next two weeks due to an ankle injury.
Via The Cavs: "Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen sustained a left ankle bone bruise in practice recently. An MRI at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health yesterday confirmed the injury, and he will begin a period of treatment and rehabilitation. Allen will be re-evaluated in two weeks and his status will be updated as appropriate."
While it's still possible that Allen will return for the team's first regular season game on October 25 against the Brooklyn Nets, I believe they should consider signing Dwight Howard.
Why?
Howard was once a superstar but proved to be a solid role player who could be efficient in limited playing time.
He most recently played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The former first-overall pick averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per contest while shooting 61.2% from the field.
Recently, Howard worked out for the Golden State Warriors, but they did not end up signing him to a contract.
At this point, it's possible that Howard could be signed for a non-guaranteed contract, so there would be no risk for the Cavs to bring him in.
The Cavs will likely want to be cautious with Allen's injury, and Howard would give them fantastic depth (and add leadership to the locker room).
Howard has career averages of 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.8 blocks per contest.
In addition to the Lakers, he has also spent time with the Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets.
As for the Cavs, they are coming off a year where they were the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 51-31 record.
However, they lost to the New York Knicks in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
