Earlier this year, Dwight Howard was teasing fans that he would make a return to the NBA. But fast forward it today, the Center is performing and living the joy, not on the basketball court, but on a reality TV show. In the 33rd season of the Dancing with the Stars, the NBA champion is paired with Daniella Karagach, who already has the experience of winning alongside another NBA veteran. With week 2 performance wrapped up, it seems the stocks for former Lakers star are rising among fans.

“Dancing the foxtrot with her Pro Balloom Partner @dwighthoward it’s Dani✨ #hesthepronow #dwts.” In week 2, the pair performed foxtrot on City of Stars from the movie La La Land. Before this post, Karagach also put a post appreciating Dwight Howard for his hard work.

“I’m grateful to have a partner who shows up on time, works hard, and who’s always excited to learn and be in this process. We worked our butts off this week trying to find a way to make our biggest challenge work. You did that D and I couldn’t be more proud of the dancer you are. On to the next week💪 Can’t thank you all enough for voting and keeping us here 🙏💜 #dwts”

The reason why Dwight Howard agreed to be a part of the show was because he wanted to be a good role model. Because he wanted to show his son, Trey, that anything was possible, if somebody puts their heart and soul into achieving their dreams. As per reports, the season premiere received more votes in comparison to last year.

Competing on the show for the Mirrorball Trophy is already heating up. With just 12 points separating the top 10 contestants. Gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik was the odds-on favorite to win the Mirrorball Trophy this season. With 4:1 odds, thus a solid 20% chance to take it all, but after week 2, he is 1 point behind Dwight Howard.

Will Dwight Howard become an audience favorite?

The audience does seem to enjoy watching the Center break a leg. With his big smile, he surely captivated a lot of the audience’s hearts. So one fan wrote, “the makings of a true dancer here, i’m loving this duo 🩷.” The duo have been posting multiple behind-the-scenes content on their social media. And their banter and chemistry are visible to all.

Even though Dwight Howard is not a trained dancer, he is giving his 100%. That’s why even the judges love the 8x All-Star. Derek Hough commentated that he was “blown away”, Carrie Ann called the foxtrot performance “gorgeous.” Bruno Tonioli did praise Howard for the graceful footwork, but still advised to improve. But the fans had no problem with the spectacle. “He was so joyful I didn’t even notice he messed up.”

The Judges’ good comments meant that the scores were good too. DH12 earned 22 points for both his week 1 and week 2 performances and currently sits in the top 2 as per the scores by judges. With 44 points secured, one fan wrote, “Top 2🔥.” And with a fierce competition, another fan was proud of Dwight Howard’s journey so far. “Dwight proving that the sky’s not the limit and it’s just the beginning👏👏👏.”

But not to forget his partner in crime, Daniella Karagach. She won the Season 30 with 6-foot-5 NBA player Iman Shumpert. “Your work is incredible Dani!!! This was beautiful!!!🥹.” And even though the current task got 5 inches taller, the flowers were for the pro dancer. The next episode of Dancing With the Stars will return in two weeks on October 7 and 8 for a special two-night episode.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”