For years, Dwight Howard wanted to step off the court and onto the dance floor. But between a packed NBA schedule and commitments overseas, the timing was never right. That all changed last season when the eight-time All-Star finally got his shot on Dancing with the Stars

The journey wasn’t easy. Howard, standing at nearly seven feet, had to navigate routines with a partner nearly two feet shorter. Critics doubted him, and judges were divided. But he made it all the way to the quarter-finals, proving doubters wrong before bowing out in the show’s milestone 500th episode. Now, months later, Howard is back—stepping onto the DWTS stage once again, but this time, under very different circumstances

“Well, I’ve been trying to do it for three years. This year I had an opportunity to actually. I didn’t have basketball going on and I had an opportunity.” Dwight Howard shared he wanted to be part of the Dancing With the Stars for the longest time. Recently D12 was part of the reunion show and even met his partner Daniella Karagach.

“Thank you @dwtstourofficial for coming to Atlanta and giving me the opportunity to hit the stage one more time 🕺🏾❤️ #dwts #familyreunion.” The Atlanta native was happy that the tour came to his place, where he got the opportunity to dance again. In the post, he also captured the reaction of fans roaring when they got a glimpse of the 3x DPOY. There was also a moment when the 39-year-old was on stage wearing a cowboy hat, expressing “I do” about missing dancing regularly.

His stint on DWTS ended during the milestone 500th episode and was in the top 6 pairs on the show. Despite a nearly two-foot difference between the partners, the pair made it to the quarter-finals. That is why Daniella Karagach called the season with Dwight Howard a win. “You know, a lot of people said he couldn’t do it, and we did it. For me, that’s a win.”

Howard and Karagach started strong, finishing among the top two in the opening weeks. But their momentum hit a roadblock in Week 3 when a judge called their performance ‘hard to watch.’ The setback didn’t last long, though. By ‘Halloween Nightmares,’ they had bounced back, earning their first perfect 10 from none other than Carrie Ann Inaba.

Dwight Howard has a plan to bring the DWTS title home

“It’s been one hell of a ride 😅 but know that if there is ever a redemption season I’ll be back ready to win with @daniellakaragach 🕺🏾.” Back in November, the 8x All-Star made his plans clear on returning to DWTS sometime in the future. But, recently he has thought of another way to win the trophy.

“I might not have won that mirror ball but if I can get @amylucianiworld on next season of @dancingwiththestars with the Stars #DWTS she’s winning one for the both of us 💃🏾🪩.” Dwight Howard added a post with his wife, Amy Luciani, dancing and probably preparing for the next season of the show. The video also had the caption, “Training my wife to win Dancing W/ The Stars for my redemption 💃🕺🪩.”

Even Luciani was on board with the idea. “I’ll bring that W home for us bae 😍😍😍.” So, are they dropping hints about the next appearance or just manifesting the goals to win the Mirrorball?