2012 Free Agents: Dwight Howard

After witnessing the frenzy caused by the 2010 NBA free-agent class that included LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, et al, this year's free-agent crop simply paled in comparison. However, the potential 2012 class -- featuring Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Dwight Howard -- is sizing up to rival 2010's. All week, ESPN Insider's NBA experts will profile these three free agents -- and several others -- better than the FBI. Today we look at Dwight Howard.

Scouting breakdown

David Thorpe: LeBron James, Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. Those are the only "best players at their positions" in my eyes who really don't have much competition for their thrones. Obviously, that makes Howard the undisputed champion for big men. Howard's agility and speed make him a natural for teams that love to push the pace -- the transition game is far more effective when the lead post player can fly to the rim and occupy defenders, better enabling the point guard to create a shot for himself or his teammates lined up behind the 3-point line. Post defense also is weakest in transition, so Howard would be most effective in the post in an early-offense attack.

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Kevin Pelton

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• Co-author, Pro Basketball Prospectus series
• Formerly a consultant with the Indiana Pacers
• Developed WARP rating and SCHOENE projection system