Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets 2017-2018 starting lineup

By Jerry Stephens

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 20: Teammate Kemba Walker
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 20: Teammate Kemba Walker /
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CHARLOTTE, NC- JUNE 26: Rich Cho and Steve Clifford introduce Dwight Howard
CHARLOTTE, NC- JUNE 26: Rich Cho and Steve Clifford introduce Dwight Howard /

C: Dwight Howard

Age: 31 (12/8/1985)
2016-2017 Shooting Stats: 63.3% FG/ 0% 3P/ 53.3% FT
2016-2017 Averages: 13.5 PPG, 1.4 APG, 12.7 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 29.7 MPG
Accomplishments: 8x All-Star, 3x Defensive Player of the Year, 5x All-NBA 1st Team, 1x All-NBA 2nd Team, 2x All-NBA 3rd Team, 4x 1st Team All-Defense, 1x 2nd Team All-Defense, All-Rookie 1st Team (2004-05), 6x Player of the Month, 18x Player of the Week

Don’t let anyone tell you that Howard is washed. He is coming off of a 2016-17 season where he averaged a double-double with the most rebounds he’s had since 2011-12. Dwight might not be what he used to be when he was in his prime but he is still an elite rebounder who can be an above average rim protector for Charlotte.

The eight-time all-star appeared and started in 74 total games last year which is the most in his career since the 2012-13 season. The things that Howard does best (rebound and defend the paint) are the two holes Charlotte most needs to fill. Starting Dwight means that Cody Zeller will come off of the bench and be one of the best backup bigs in the league.

While many will argue that Zeller should start over Dwight, the team isn’t paying Howard $23.5 million to come off of the bench. Although, we could see that at some point because of injuries or matchups. It’s a safe bet to believe that Steve Clifford will start Howard who he coached in Orlando and LA to at least begin the season.

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