The free agent class of 2013, you see, has some very interesting names in it . . .names of players with whom Howard would love to play. First and foremost, Howard’s long-time friend Josh Smith will be at the end of his contract with the Atlanta Hawks, and close behind him could be Golden State Warrior and Howard buddy Monta Ellis, who has an Early Termination Option on his deal.
How about a little game of “What If?”
What if Howard, Smith and Ellis put their heads together and came up with salary numbers that would work for them under the cap, as LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh did in Miami? What if Ryan Anderson decided to stick around to continue benefiting from the attention Howard draws in the post? A lineup of Howard, Smith, Ellis, Anderson and Jason Richardson would be pretty formidable on both ends of the floor. Howard and Smith would send back any attempt to attack the rim, and Ellis Richardson and Anderson would enjoy plenty of open threes. Orlando could fill out the roster with exception money and minimum contracts, perhaps adding another Howard friend in Stephen Jackson.
Monta Ellis
Jason Richardson/PG
Josh Smith
Ryan Anderson
Dwight Howard
P.S. I say Hawks pursue KG's expiring. But what would Hawks fans say if Josh Smith left to help create another superteam?
Would you guys be confident in rebuilding a contender around Horford then? I personally would not.
