NBA: Ranking The Top 10 Centers In The NBA Entering 2016-17

4 of 12
Apr 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

9. Dwight Howard, Atlanta Hawks

Counting Stats: 13.7 points, 11.8 rebounds 

PER: 18.9

WS: 6.6

VORP: 1.5

Even though Dwight Howard isn’t the player that he used to be, there’s still value in having a still above-average athletic center. He’s still an above-average rim-protector and is still a force on the boards. In the right situation, Dwight can still be a very effective center in the NBA.

Question is, are the Atlanta Hawks that “right situation” for Dwight? Quite frankly, there’s really no way to answer that question at the moment. We can only offer him the benefit of the doubt.

With all that said, if he can remain healthy this season and carve out a nice role with his new team, he should be able to churn out a solid and productive season. Dwight may not be the dominant force that he once was, but he’s still better than most centers in the NBA.

Next: No. 8