In his highly anticipated debut, Dwight Howard put on a performance that at least for a moment calmed the nerves of the skeptics wary of his return to Atlanta.

He only scored 11 points in his first official game with the Atlanta Hawks, but he earned his money Thursday night pulling down a game leading 19 rebounds in a 114-99 win over the Washington Wizards.

It's only one game into the season, but Howard's presence fills the need for rebounding that the Hawks have been needing in previous years. Seven of his rebounds were on the offensive end and the opportunity for second-chance points is a luxury the Hawks will be happy to benefit from.

The three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year also blocked three shots and held his matchup, Marcin Gortat, to four points.

Let's not overlook the fact that he was 3-for-4 from the free throw line. He's not going to shoot that well all-season long, but that's a stat that can't be missed in this one game only review.

In Atlanta, Howard has a chance to rebuild his image with a fresh start and less pressure. He fills a need but isn't expected to carry the franchise on his shoulders.

Howard was fourth on the team in scoring and the Hawks still won comfortably. He will have his scoring nights soon enough, but the Hawks will be satisfied winning games with Howard showing up on the glass and defending the rim. That's his primary responsibility with this team. More importantly, that's what will be needed when facing Lebron and the Cavaliers.

This will be an interesting season for Howard. The 2014 Naismith High School Player of the Year from Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy in Atlanta, Ga, who for so long rejected the idea of playing in Atlanta has returned in his 12th season.

Hawks fans watched as the 2004 first overall pick made All-Star Teams, won the 2008 Dunk Contest, appear in the NBA Finals, lead the league in rebounds five times and play with All-Stars like Kobe Bryant and James Harden.

Howard's effort, character and work ethic has been heavily criticized over the last few years. Now he's 30 and back where he started. It's too early to tell which Howard we'll get for the duration of the season, but Thursday night was a good sign.

Nothing says "welcome back Dwight Howard" like the standing ovation he received from the Atlanta crowd when he was subbed off the court in the final minutes of the fourth quarter with the win sealed up.