USA Today via Reuters
Nov 21, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) takes a shot during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 21, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) takes a shot during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dwight Howard has been looking to make an NBA comeback for a while now. He has been out of the league since 2022. However, he continued his basketball journey with the Taoyuan Leopards. In another attempt to revive his basketball career and in the hope of playing at the highest level yet again, Howard is set to sign a new contract with Strong Group, a Philippines-based team.
He will be playing in the Dubai International Basketball Championship mini tournament. Shams Charania reported on the latest development in Howard’s career. Charania posted, “Eight-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard is signing a contract to continue his basketball career abroad.”
Eight-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard is signing a contract to continue his basketball career abroad, details here: pic.twitter.com/U3KeDWUynL
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 2, 2024
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The Strong Group is a participant in the mini tournament that will be held in Dubai from January 19th through January 28th, 2024. Howard’s news comes as a surprise for many as the ex-NBA star has been on the lookout for an NBA contract. The 38-year-old, especially after the introduction of the NBA’s In Season Tournament said that he wants to make a comeback to the league. As per Howard, he has made a promise to himself that he won’t retire till he participates in an IST. He posted on his 38th birthday, “I turned 38 today 🎈 and I thought about it lol… I’m not retiring before I have the chance to say I played in a In season tournament game lol”.
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USA Today via Reuters
Oct 11, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) smiles while holding the Finals trophy after game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Even the fans have not completely given up on Howard’s comeback to the league. After the recent news broke out, several fans stated that Howard still has what it takes to compete in the NBA. There is no denying the fact that he is past his prime now. However, Howard is not just another player who wants to get back in. He has over two decades of basketball experience and can certainly add a lot of value to any team if he is asked to join.
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As of now, the new deal with the Strong Group from the Philippines looks certain for him. Under this new deal, he will participate in the Dubai International Basketball Championship starting this month. Fans would hope that the ex-NBA star manages to leave his mark on the mini tournament so that his chances of making a comeback remain alive.
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