Knicks Rumors: Pros And Cons Of Pursuing Dwight Howard

Con: Injury History

The worst word in the world of professional sports is, “Injury.” There’s no formula to avoiding an injury, nor is there a guarantee that a player—whether elite or merely drifting along—will be able to recover from one.

In the troubling case of Dwight Howard, injuries are the reason many believe the New York Knicks should shy away from signing him to a multi-year contract.

In April of 2012, Howard underwent surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back. In January of 2013, Howard suffered a shoulder injury that proved to be more severe than most acknowledged at the time it happened.

The injuries have continued over the past two seasons, with Howard’s troublesome knee limiting his effectiveness and availability.

That steady stream of injuries offers cause for concern. The Knicks have already invested in point guard Derrick Rose, who has an extensive injury history of his own—a sign that New York should find a healthier alternative at the 5.

Howard is far tougher than most give him credit for, but at 30 years old, the injury history is tough to overlook.

Next: Pro