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Monday, September 17, 2012

Josh Howard to meet the San Antonio Spurs on Monday – NBA News - bettor.com (blog)

Josh Howard scheduled to visit San Antonio Spurs ....

The San Antonio Spurs have been one of the most technical teams in recent years when it comes to player signings and new acquisitions. They have also been consistent championship contender in the past decade or so, winning four NBA championships since 1999.

In Gregg Popovich they have a coach who is a master tactician and firmly believes in teamwork. The Spurs never go for star quality, rather rely on technical skills of players and their past acquisitions have shown that. And now, they are looking to sign another player who other teams are passing on.

Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports has reported that Josh Howard is schedule to visit the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. Howard, a 9 year veteran in the league, declined an offer by the Spurs last season to play for the Utah Jazz. He averaged 8.7 points and 3.7 rebounds while playing 23 minutes a game last season for the Jazz. The Spurs are reportedly interested in Howard for some time now, and are looking to make him another key asset on their bench, even though Howard’s stats have been declining over the past few seasons.

Howard averaged 19.9 points and 7 rebounds as a regular starter for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2007-08 NBA season. Since then, his numbers have been steadily declining and he has now become a back up player with a limited role. The Spurs are definitely seeing something in him that other teams cannot, and considering the success of the franchise in recruiting solid players, they might be right this time around as well.

The Spurs look for basic basketball technique in a player because they know that with the kind of coaching staff they have and the offence they run, they can help a player improve his stats and return to his old game. Although the Spurs have younger players in Kawhi Leonard and Stephen Jackson who have proven their talent, the addition of Howard can give the Spurs a veteran to add to their bench.

Besides, Howard was a well known defensive force during his prime years with the Mavericks. Even this past season with the Jazz, Howard was a big part of their defence as the Jazz allowed 102.2 points per 100 possessions with Howard on the floor, as compared to 104.2 with Howard off the floor.

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