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Will Dwight Howard have a career resurgence with the Charlotte Hornets?

By Laieke Abebe

CHARLOTTE, NC- JUNE 26: Rich Cho and Steve Clifford introduce Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets to the media during a press conference at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 26, 2017. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC- JUNE 26: Rich Cho and Steve Clifford introduce Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets to the media during a press conference at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 26, 2017. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Steve Clifford and the Charlotte Hornets offer new center Dwight Howard a chance to resurrect his career and his image.

Dwight Howard has been a great center in the NBA for years, something the Charlotte Hornets haven’t had before. In his Orlando Magic days, he led them to the NBA finals under Stan Van Gundy in 2009.

Overall, his athleticism as a center allowed him to be one of the best players in the NBA for many years. However, Howard’s scoring has taken a bit of a step backward. The biggest question surrounding the Hornets and Dwight this season is if the first-ballot Hall of Famer can regain, or get close to, his all-star form. The success of the player and team could hinge on the answer.

He was traded to the Lakers starting a chain reaction of being moved to other teams in different places. Most recently, he found himself in his hometown of Atlanta. With the Hawks, he averaged 13.5 PPG and 12.7 RPG on 63.3% shooting.

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Despite his best efforts, he ended being getting traded again. Now, he finds himself in Buzz City looking to regain his image and resurrect his career.

This is an opportunity like he’s never had before. After many failed stops in LA, Houston and Atlanta, Howard and the team is hoping that Charlotte is different.

The Hornets provide the resources for him to be a top quality player. He is familiar with Steve Clifford, who was on the Magic staff when they went to the finals. Howard has tried to add the three-point shot to his game.

However, Clifford doesn’t see Howard shooting from the outside this season. In the end, the Hornets staff will still look to get the best out of Dwight Howard.

"“From the trade until now, I think he’s very motivated to have a great year, and he badly wants us to win. The last couple years have been difficult for him. I see him as motivated to work. The success of our team is the thing that keeps coming up in our conversations. He wants to be a part of our team. And that’s his priority.”Steve Clifford On Dwight Howard"

Overall, Dwight Howard has a big chance to revitalize his image and career with the Charlotte Hornets this season. Dwight is in desperate need of a resurgence because of fan perception of him. However, this depends on how much he wants to help the team win. It will likely not involve the center shooting three-pointers at a consistent rate.

Next: Analyzing Charlotte's major offseason moves

If it doesn’t work out in Charlotte, we don’t know if Howard will get another chance due to his big contract. In the end, it’s up to him whether he wants to regain his image back. Everything is lined up for Dwight to succeed but we’ve seen this story before with the Lakers and Rockets. Hopefully, things really are different in the Queen City with a team that needs his skill set and a coach that wants to not only work with him but also make him a focal point of their system.

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