NBA Rumors: Golden State Warriors Wise to Pursue Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard

The Golden State Warriors are wise to continue their pursuit of disgruntled Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard.

According to NBC Sports' Pro Basketball Talk and the San Francisco Chronicle, the Warriors are not giving up on acquiring the talented superstar.

The playoffs are looking like a long shot for the 11-16 Warrios, especially considering they play in the rough and tumble Western Conference, but that could all change with a player like Superman on the roster.

Golden State has plenty of talent to offer the Orlando Magic regardless of what Otis Smith and others tell the media. Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle mentions a potential Howard deal involving David Lee, Monta Ellis and a youngster like Ekpe Udoh or Klay Thompson for Howard and Magic teammate Glen "Big Baby" Davis.

Although it may seem like a lot to give up for Howard, who is more of a defensive asset and franchise cornerstone than an offensive juggernaut, the Warriors would in fact be improved if such a deal were to go down before the March 15 deadline.

Golden State only has two legitimate centers on its roster, and neither Andris Biedrins nor Kwame Brown is capable of rebounding consistently enough for the Warriors to reach the next level, which is the playoffs at this point.

The two are combining for 11.1 RPG this season, while power forward Lee leads the team with 10 RPG. The Warriors are currently ranked 27th in the league in rebounds per game, and that explains their position in the standings and their persistent interest in Howard.

Losing Lee and Ellis in a trade with the Magic would certainly have a major impact on Golden State's scoring offense, but it would give an equal boost to the Warriors' defense and lack of rebounding. 

Golden State ranks fourth in the NBA in scoring offense this season, but next to last in scoring defense. Howard's league-leading 15.3 RPG and his 2.2 BPG would no doubt provide more balance to the Warriors lineup. 

It also should be mentioned that Howard scores more than 20 points per night and would compensate for the loss of production from Ellis, who can get a bit shot-happy at times. 

Head coach Mark Jackson, who has drooled over the talents of Howard in the past as an analyst and commentator for the NBA on ESPN, would be in heaven. He would have a defensive anchor in place, and the superstar necessary to take an NBA franchise to the promised land. 

If the Warriors could get Howard, their No. 1 goal would then be keeping him happy long enough to submit him into signing an extension. Although it seems like a long shot, just as a playoff berth is at this point, it cannot hurt to try.

The Warriors would be better with Howard, just as virtually every team in the league would be, so kudos to Golden State for not backing out of the Superman sweepstakes.