Dwight Howard (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Charlotte Hornets could be looking at signing a rebounding big man in this summer's free agency, making Dwight Howard and Hassan Whiteside possible targets.
Following their loss to the Miami Heat in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Hornets head into free agency with plenty to address, including free agents of their own. But there could be a need for Charlotte to sign big men who could control the boards as rebounding was part of the team's struggles during Games 5 and 6 against the Heat, according to Steve Reed of The Salt Lake Tribune.
"BIGGEST NEED: Rebounding. The Hornets rebounded well in the regular season, but Clifford said the team's struggles on the glass in Games 6 and 7 against the Heat was a big reason it was ousted from the playoffs," Reed wrote.
If the Hornets are serious about addressing their rebounding issue in free agency, potential targets could include Dwight Howard or Hassan Whiteside.
Howard is expected to decline the player option in his four-year $87.5 million contract with the Houston Rockets following a dismal campaign that was capped by a first round exit in the playoffs. According to ESPN's Calvin Watkins, the Hornets are one of the teams possibly interested to sign the former three-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Howard, who is expected to seek a max contract in July, would be an intriguing fit for the Hornets and would certainly address the team's rebounding problem. Despite his lackluster performance this season, along with an aging body, Howard has proven he is still one of the league's' most dominant big men, averaging 11.8 rebounds per game this season.
But not only does Howard offer rebounding prowess, his 13.7 points on an average 6.7 attempts per game could also boost Charlotte's inside scoring. Howard has been ineffective for the Rockets in the regular season, but a change of scenery would probably help the 30-year-old center revitalize his career.
Meanwhile, Whiteside's breakthrough year should also put him in the Hornets' free agent targets. The 26-year-old center would give Charlotte a huge upgrade at the center position due to Whiteside's offensive and defensive expertise, averaging 14.2 points and a league-leading 3.7 blocks per game.
Whiteside should flourish in Steve Clifford's defensive schemes, but like Howard, the 7-footer is projected to seek a max deal, which would make it difficult for the Hornets to lure him with other NBA expected to make a run at the Heat center.
While it would be interesting for the Hornets to grab either one of the aforementioned players, there is a chance Charlotte would settle for a non-max contract rebounding big man as the team is only projected to have a maximum cap space of $39.8 million.
Moreover, the Hornets have their own free agents to consider like Jeremy Lin and Nicolas Batum, who have expressed the desire to return at the Buzz City for next season.
If the Hornets decide to chase after Lin or Batum first, there would not be enough money to spend on Howard or Whiteside unless both centers accept a pay cut, which is highly unlikely to happen.
