Dwight Howard continues to stay in shape in the hope that an NBA team will come knocking at his door for his services as he continues his overseas basketball journey which was kicked off by his performances in Taiwan last year.
The eight-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA Defensive Player of The Year seeks to continue his basketball journey as he puts pen to paper on a deal with a Filipino franchise amid speculation that he could potentially make a return to the NBA.
Dwight Howard signs with Filipino team Strong Group
Famed NBA insider Shams Charania said that after a successful performance in Taiwan, Dwight Howard, who won the 2020 NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, has signed a professional deal with the Filipino club Super Group for the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship.
It gives Howard the perfect opportunity to make a bold statement to the teams in the NBA as they push forward in the final stretch of the season. Known for his raw intensity and his flamboyant dunking abilities, the veteran last played in the league with the Lakers in the 2021–22 NBA season.
Since then, he hasn’t refrained from the sport. Rather, he has tried to stay connected and in shape, waiting patiently for the perfect setup to continue to develop himself and stay game-ready.
Taiwan came calling.
Dwight Howard took his talents across the globe to Taiwan signing with the Taiwanese league team, the Taiwan Beer Leopards where he managed to put up 23.2 points per game, 16.2 rebounds, and 5 assists in the 20 appearances he made for the team. Despite his dominant performances, the Leopards finished dead last in the six-team tournament.
Now, Dwight chases the next opportunity as he attempts to find his way back to the NBA. Starting in the third week of January, Howard will aim to lead the Super Group to the championship, which would allow him to make a strong case for all the NBA teams while keeping close tabs on the player’s situation.
Prior to the current NBA season, Dwight was in active talks to join the NBA with a title-contending team, but the deal, however, fell through.
Dwight Howard rumored to make NBA return
Dwight’s deal with the Filipino team is nothing but a stepping stone and a catalyst to the superstar’s NBA return. The player, known for his sheer skill in penetrating opponents’ physical structures, was in talks last year with the Golden State Warriors to make his NBA comeback. He was closely engaged with the team to the point that he was even working out for the Warriors before training camp.
However, all talks fell through, and his ambitions to return to the league were put on hold.
In his 18 seasons in the league, Dwight established himself as one of the best rebounders and one of the most elite and reliable rim protectors. In his 2019–20 stint with the Lakers, he completed his dream of winning the championship and was an asset to the Purple and Gold franchise. Playing alongside Anthony Davis, Howard was utilized as a double threat at the rim on offense and as a ruthless shot-stopper on defense, which enabled the Lakers to cruise to victory in the NBA Bubble.
Averaging 15.7 points and 11.3 rebounds in his NBA career, the former No. 1 pick’s resume is nothing short of lucrative. However, injuries and the transition to the game of basketball prevented the 38-year-old from performing at peak levels.
In his time with the Filipino side, the one-time NBA Champ champion hoped to put up monster numbers, which would help him ink a deal with a team in the NBA.
What do you think of Dwight’s decision to sign for the Filipino side, Super Group, as he continues his quest to get back into the NBA? Which team would be the perfect fit for the NBA veteran? We would love to know your thoughts and opinions, so please let us know in the comments below.
