The Washington Wizards will be without the services of eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard for the first day of practice due to a back ailment.

The Wizards and Howard agreed to the terms of a one-and-one contract back in July, which means he'll have the option to return or seek a new home in free agency after this season.

Over the course of his career, Howard, now 32 years of age, has earned eight All-Star appearances and won the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award in three consecutive seasons (2009-2011).

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Though players like him have been marginalized in today's NBA, Howard could still provide an effective presence on the low block for the Wizards. In his 81 appearances with the Charlotte Hornets last season, the former No. 1 overall pick racked up averages of 16.6 points on 55.5 percent shooting from the field, 12.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 30.4 minutes per outing.

Via Candace Buckner of The Washington Post:

“Dwight has been known throughout his career as one of the league’s best defenders, rebounders and finishers around the rim, all areas that we needed to improve heading into next season,” Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld said in a statement. “His inside presence and athleticism will give us a much different look and will open up opportunities for us on both ends of the floor.”

The Wizards finished the 2017-18 campaign with a 43-39 overall record, which landed the team a No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Howard dealing with a back injury already isn't a great sign, but the hope is this doesn't linger and he can help Washington take a step forward.