WHO WOULD YOU TAKE AS YOUR FRANCHISE PLAYER? DWIGHT HOWARD OR ANDREW BYNUM?

by David Shepard, OTSL Special Contributor

There have been numerous reports that Dwight Howard went to management and told them that he wanted Stan Van Gundy to be fired. A lot of people are coming to Van Gundy's defense and questioning Howard's ability to be a franchise player. For the first time in Howard's prime, given the season that Andrew Bynum has had, the question is being asked: who would you rather have going forward as your franchise player?

Both big men have been at the CENTER of controversy this season, and for lack of a better term, have shown their immaturity. However, the play of Andrew Bynum has not wavered while Howard had just eight points and eight boards in 40 minutes of action against the New York Knicks, a game in which they lost by 16 points at home. Meanwhile Andrew Bynum is coming off of a nationally televised game on ESPN in which he went for a game-high 36 points in a win over the Clippers on the road. He also went 10 for 12 from the line, Howard went 0 for 3 against the Knicks.

In taking a look at each player's season averages Howard is a better scorer and rebounder, but not by much. Bynum is averaging just a field goal less per game than Howard. Where Bynum has distinguished himself from Howard has been from the field and from the charity stripe. Bynum from the free throw line is making 20% more of his free throws than Howard.

Who's The Best Center Of Them All

This Season

Bynum Howard

PPG 18.3 20.6

RPG 11.9 14.4

FG% 58.3 57.9

FT% 68.4 48.6

In looking at the statistics of both players at 24 years of age, they have the exact same scoring numbers. While Howard proved to be a more efficient rebounder, it was Bynum that averaged nearly one less turnover per game, showing his ability to take better care of the basketball.

Bynum has also proven himself to be a lot more reliable at the charity stripe, shooting nearly 69 percent from the line, While Howard was shooting under 60%, something he has done for the last 7 seasons.

Bynum Better Than Howard

Season at 24 Years Old

Bynum Howard

PPG 18.3 18.3

RPG 11.9 13.2

TO/G 2.5 3.3

FT% 68.4 59.2

Andrew Bynum is scoring 7 more points per game compared to last season. Howard is 26 years old, and at this point of his career should be improving every single year. He is going in the opposite direction of Bynum. He is making 11% less of his free throws and is shooting worse from the field. Meanwhile, Bynum has improved on his field goal percentage and free throw percentage from last season. He is also grabbing nearly 3 more rebounds per game this season. Howard is recording just .3 more rebounds this season compared to his 2010-11 campaign.

The Ceiling Is Limitless For Bynum

Last Season vs This Season

Bynum Howard

PPG diff +7.0 -2.3

FG pct diff +.9 -.14

FT pct diff +.24 -1.1

RPG diff +2.5 +.3

Looks like the Lakers may have made the right call not trading for Howard at the deadline. Not only for this season, but for future ones as well.