VITALS: 6-10, 240, Southwest Christian Academy (GA) OVERVIEW: Howard is considered the best high school player in the draft. He is a bonafide back-to-the-basket big man who makes a living underneath. He dominated high school basketball in Georgia, leading his team to the state title in his senior season. Howard made his name on the summer circuit on the star-studded Atlanta Celtics AAU team, helping lead the Celtics to the 2003 Big Time tournament championship. Howard may be the best player in the draft. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: The Orlando Magic are considering Howard at No. 1 but are inclined to go with the more experienced Emeka Okafor for their veteran-laden team. That leaves the Los Angeles Clippers, well-stocked at power forward, in prime position to dangle the second selection - which could be used to select Howard - for a pick and a player. Atlanta (6) might bite, as the Hawks would love to focus their rebuilding project around Howard, a hometown kid who has perhaps the more upside than any other prospect in the draft. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Kevin Garnett, Shawn Kemp COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Kwame Brown ROLE PROJECTION: Immediate starter, future All-Star. POSITIVES: Howard is a matchup problem waiting to happen. He is long, has great speed and leaping ability, can handle the ball, shoot from 18 feet and operate in the post. Moreover, Howard is equally adept in the half-court and up-tempo situations, and he is anticipated to be a productive rebounder and shot-blocker on the defensive end. Off the court, Howard is a devout Christian who is not expected to fall into trouble or upset team chemistry. SHORTCOMINGS: Deciding whether he wants to be a small forward, power forward or center, and then adjusting his game and physique accordingly, would allow Howard to better fit into the NBA game. Despite his ability to play all three frontcourt positions, his body and low post game are weak for a center or power forward and his face-up game needs work at the 3-spot. Additionally, questions surrounding Howard's mean streak have been raised. After the Kwame Brown/Tyson Chandler/Eddy Curry debacles, clubs have put more emphasis on examining a player's intensity level. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Dwight Howard obviously is projected as one of the top-three picks. Very talented low-post player, can go outside and shoot the jump shot, good shot-blocker, a good athlete. Obviously he's a high school kid, so his future's ahead of him, but he has great potential. - Washington Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld
