Spears: Josh Howard visits with Philadelphia 76ers (Update)

Update Sept. 24, 8:45 pm: Josh Howard is currently visiting the Philadelphia 76ers for two days according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports.

Despite trading Andre Iguodala to the Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia still has an abundance of forwards. Howard will be competing with Jason Richardson, Evan Turner, Dorell Wright, Nick Young and Thaddeus Young — all of which are already guaranteed a roster spot.

Sept. 19, 12:52 pm: Howard and the Utah Jazz are reportedly nearing a new contract (via bettor.com and the Salt Lake Tribune.) The terms have not been finalized but it is unlikely that Howard signs with the Spurs this season.

“Josh is still without a team for next season, and worked out for the San Antonio Spurs a few days ago, but the Jazz are reported to be nearing a deal to bring him back.

The Salt Lake Tribune has reported that the Jazz and Howard have reached a mutual agreement, hinting that he may very well return to the Salt Lake City next season.”

Hat-tip to Michael A. De Leon of Project Spurs.

Sept. 16, 4:22 pm: Howard will visit the San Antonio Spurs on Monday according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports.

Free agent forward Josh Howard to visit Spurs on Monday, source tells Y! Sports.

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) September 16, 2012

This news come after he chose the Utah Jazz over the Spurs in free agency. He appeared in 43 games with Utah last season, averaging 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 39.9% shooting.

The Spurs have been reportedly interested in signing Howard for the last couple of years. They are interested in the 32-year-old forward despite statistical data indicating that Howard is steadily declining. His PER, true shooting percentage, free throw rate, rebounding rate and turnover rate are dropping in the wrong direction.

Perhaps the Spurs believe their ball movement will coax Howard into improving his shot selection. Nearly half of his attempts came from the most inefficient spots on the floor. His 33% mark from 10-23 feet isn’t enough to offset the inherent inefficiency from these types of attempts.

Howard can still make a tangible impact defensively; Utah allowed 102.2 points per 100 possessions with Howard on the floor, which would rank them eighth in the entire league, compared to a league-average 104.2 points per 100 possessions with Howard sidelined.

If Howard were to parlay his visit tomorrow into a roster spot with San Antonio, it would likely be in a limited role. Despite his track record, he is still a downgrade from Kawhi Leonard and Stephen Jackson at this current stage of his career.

Hat-tip to Paul Garcia of Project Spurs.