Howard signs one-and-one contract to play for Wizards

On Thursday morning, the Washington Wizards announced the signing of center Dwight Howard and with this act, their roster and locker room have officially become one of the most intriguing story lines of the 2018-19 NBA season. Howard, 32, joins the Wizards on a one-and-one contract — after the conclusion of the season, he has an option to return or seek a new team in free agency — as the most decorated center the team has employed in years. Howard has earned eight All-Star appearances and won the defensive player of the year award in three consecutive years from 2009-2011. On the flip side, as the big man era has faded, Howard has been passed around the league. Washington will become his fourth team he has played on in the past four seasons. “Dwight has been known throughout his career as one of the league’s best defenders, rebounders and finishers around the rim, all areas that we needed to improve heading into next season,” Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld said in a statement. “His inside presence and athleticism will give us a much different look and will open up opportunities for us on both ends of the floor.” During the 2017-18 season with the Charlotte Hornets, Howard averaged 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds per game for one of his most productive statistical seasons in years. Steve Clifford, who has coached Howard for half of his 14-year career, was in Charlotte last year and believes his former player wants to have longevity. “He’s in a good place, and he’s very motivated,” Clifford said. “I think that he understands that he wants to play for a few more years and he’s putting a ton into this league.” COLLEGE WRESTLING: Alvernia named former Maryland assistant Seth Ecker its first coach. Ecker coached the Terps’ first NCAA Division I All-American in four years last season. Before his time at Maryland, Ecker was the head assistant at Ithaca College for two seasons. —