Dwight Howard. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Dwight Howard makes big move amid NBA comeback hopes

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 1/2/24

Dwight Howard has been out of the NBA since the end of the 2021-22 season. He spent last season playing overseas in Taiwan. During his time abroad, he averaged 23.2 points, 16.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game, shooting 57.7% from the field. Those performances earned him a tryout with the Golden State Warriors this past summer. However, the Warriors opted against signing him to a contract.

As such, Howard has remained a free agent. He still harbors hopes of returning to the NBA and proving he can have an impact off the bench. In an attempt to prove himself, the championship-winning big man has signed a two-week deal with Strong Group, a basketball team out of the Philippines, as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic. Howard will play in the Dubai International Championship.

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

Howard's thought process is clear. If he can dominate the tournament and be crowned as the best player, he might be able to create some interest from an NBA team looking to add some additional depth at the center position. His ability to rebound at a high level and protect the rim in drop coverage could make him an enticing option if he can prove his fitness.

Still, the NBA has evolved. Big men who can't space the floor or operate as playmakers have seen their value drop in recent years. As such, Howard is feeling the crunch of possessing an increasingly outdated skill set for his position. Yes, there's value in a player who can dominate on the glass, but at 38, he likely lacks the athleticism to be a genuine difference-maker on the boards.

Playing in an overseas tournament is a brave but smart move from Howard. He's continuing to chase his dream of stepping back out onto an NBA floor. However, this decision feels like one of the last dice rolls available to him. If it doesn't pay off, he may have to accept his time in the league has come to an end and embrace a career in Europe or Asia.

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