MANILA – Former NBA center Dwight Howard is set to suit up for Strong Group-Philippines that will compete in the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship slated later this month.
According to a report by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the eight-time NBA All-Star is signing up with the Strong Group in the two-week tournament to stay in shape for possible NBA call-up.
“In the midst of pursuing an NBA comeback, Dwight Howard plans to sign a deal with Philippine team Strong Group in a two-week Dubai International Championship,” Charania said.
“(Howard) continues his basketball career with his deal allowing him to stay in shape and visit the foreign market globally after spending the last season with Taiwan,” he added.
Among Howard’s teammates with Strong Group are UAAP stars Kevin Quiambao and JD Cagulangan, former Gilas Pilipinas center Andray Blatche, and former NBA forward Andre Roberson.
The 6-foot-9 Howard came from a stint with the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan’s T1 League last year. He was not renewed after the Leopards hired another ex-NBA center in Demarcus Cousins.
The 38-year-old Howard also attempted to make an NBA comeback during the offseason after attending the Golden State Warriors’ training camp, but he was not fortunate to land a contract.
Howard started his NBA career after being selected as the top-overall pick by Orlando Magic in 2004. He spent eight years with the franchise before he was traded to Los Angeles Lakers.
After his first Lakers stint, Howard moved from one team to another after landing contracts with Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers.
Howard did return to the Lakers for his second tour of duty in 2019 and was part of the squad that captured the NBA championship that year. He was signed by the Lakers in 2021 for his last NBA stint before he went to Taiwan in 2022.
The Charles Tiu-mentored Strong Group came from a top-eight finish in the same tournament last year after they were defeated by Lebanon’s Al Riyadi in the knockout quarterfinals./PN
