New Orleans Pelicans wanted to revamp their roster by adding a true center. They currently asked Atlanta Hawks for Dwight Howard, but there have been no decision made by Atlanta Hawks front office.
Currently. Pelicans put Anthony Davis in the center position. However the 6’10” player is not a true center. He is more of a power forward with the center capabilities.
The Pelicans currently only have Omer Asik and Alexis Ajinca as the true center according to report from SB Nation. They also have acquired Lithuanian free agent center Donatas Motiejunas last week after waiving Reggie Williams. The Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry is trying to use a small ball play, combining agile front court players who are able to make outside shooting and a strong players in the paint.
Howard is expected to fill in the position in the paint, while Davis will be placed to his most comfortable position in power forward.
Both Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans are reported to have initiate a conversation regarding Dwight Howard according to ESPN. The Hawks exercise the option with the Pelicans to maximize the currently strong bargaining position they have.
Recently, Atlanta Hawks sent Kyle Korver away to Cleveland Cavaliers for Mike Dunleavy, Mo Williams and 1st round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Currently, Atlanta Hawks management has stated to put their most valuable player Paul Millsap for trade. Millsap will be free agent by the end of 2016-17 season, and the Hawks will not want to lose the opportunity to trade a good player like when they lost Al Horford.
Atlanta Hawks is now in the 4th position of the Eastern Conference with 24-18 record and they are on the right track to the playoffs. Meanwhile New Orleans Pelicans still struggle to climb up from 10th position in the West. The Pelicans are neck-to-neck with Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers in their attempt for the playoffs.
New Orleans have seen the impact of Howard’s strength to overcome Davis in the game against the Hawks on Jan. 5. Watch the highlight of the game between two centers Howards from Atlanta Hawks against Davis from New Orleans Pelicans below:
