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  6. article_body => "<p>The Wizards were dealt a sizable blow on Friday with the news <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/washington\/wizards\/dwight-howard-has-spinal-surgery-will-be-re-evaluated-2-3-months\">starting center Dwight Howard will be out two-to-three months<\/a> following surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back.<\/p>\n<p>With Howard out, the Wizards are weighing their options, but as of now they do not plan to sign a free agent or broker a trade to replace him, a person familiar with the situation told NBC Sports Washington.<\/p>\n<p>The Wizards want to first see what they have with their in-house replacements, knowing Howard will be available to return at some point this season.<\/p>\n<p>That means second-year center Thomas Bryant will get an extended look. He has been starting in Howard's place since his most recent setback and has added some energy and speed to their lineup.<\/p>\n<p>Jeff Green and Markieff Morris have seen time at the center position&nbsp;and will continue to get minutes there. The door could also open for Ian Mahinmi, who has been out of the rotation in recent games, and even Jason Smith.<\/p>\n<p>The Wizards have considered free agent options to add help at center, but there aren't any out there that have interested them at this time. Capable centers are hard to find,&nbsp;especially midseason.<\/p>\n<p>The Wizards have time working on their side, in some respects. The NBA's trade deadline isn't until Feb. 8, giving them over two months to evaluate what they have on the roster.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Rebounding, in particular, will be kept in mind. Howard leads the team with 9.2 rebounds per game and the Wizards rank near the bottom of the NBA in most rebounding-related categories.<\/p>\n<p>If it becomes apparent they need help at center, they will go out and get it, but that is not the immediate plan.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>MORE WIZARDS NEWS:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Big questions linger:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/washington\/wizards\/big-questions-linger-wizards-dwight-howard-begins-recovery-back-surgery\">Howard facing lengthy rehab<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Otto Outta Here?<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/washington\/wizards\/kings-reportedly-monitoring-wizards-interest-trade-otto-porter-jr\">Kings monitoring Wizards' SF<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Help Needed:<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/washington\/wizards\/dwight-howards-rehab-taking-wrong-turn-loss-pelicans-shows-how-wizards-need-him\">Loss to Pelicans showed&nbsp;how much Wizards need him<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"
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Wizards

Wizards

The Wizards were dealt a sizable blow on Friday with the news starting center Dwight Howard will be out two-to-three months following surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back.

With Howard out, the Wizards are weighing their options, but as of now they do not plan to sign a free agent or broker a trade to replace him, a person familiar with the situation told NBC Sports Washington.

The Wizards want to first see what they have with their in-house replacements, knowing Howard will be available to return at some point this season.

That means second-year center Thomas Bryant will get an extended look. He has been starting in Howard's place since his most recent setback and has added some energy and speed to their lineup.

Jeff Green and Markieff Morris have seen time at the center position and will continue to get minutes there. The door could also open for Ian Mahinmi, who has been out of the rotation in recent games, and even Jason Smith.

The Wizards have considered free agent options to add help at center, but there aren't any out there that have interested them at this time. Capable centers are hard to find, especially midseason.

The Wizards have time working on their side, in some respects. The NBA's trade deadline isn't until Feb. 8, giving them over two months to evaluate what they have on the roster. 

Rebounding, in particular, will be kept in mind. Howard leads the team with 9.2 rebounds per game and the Wizards rank near the bottom of the NBA in most rebounding-related categories.

 

If it becomes apparent they need help at center, they will go out and get it, but that is not the immediate plan.

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