Dwight Howard, eight-time NBA All-Star and Naismith Basketball Corridor of Fame inductee, can be becoming a member of the BIG3 for his remaining season {of professional} basketball. Howard will play for the Los Angeles Riot in 2025 as he appears to shut out his professional profession on a excessive word.
BIG3 creator and CEO Ice Dice introduced the addition of Howard on Wednesday. The three-time NBA Defensive Participant of the Yr will be part of the Riot because the league switches to a city-based mannequin for the primary time.
“On behalf of all the league, I need to be the primary one to welcome Dwight Howard to the BIG3,” Ice Dice mentioned in an announcement. “His legacy speaks for itself, and he nonetheless has enjoyable taking part in the sport. Everyone knows that Dwight Howard can do extra on the basketball courtroom than he was capable of present within the NBA. So, it will be good to see him open up his recreation and present his all-around expertise on the courtroom within the BIG3.
“He is an ideal match for the league, not simply due to his athleticism and measurement but additionally as a consequence of our shared need to develop the sport of basketball world wide. We’re honored that he has chosen to convey his recreation and star energy to the BIG3. I look ahead to seeing him problem our 3-on-3 stars this summer time and see if he can win himself one other Championship.”
Not solely will Howard be taking part in for the Riot, however he’ll additionally function a player-captain alongside co-captains Jordan Crawford and Elijah Stewart beneath coach Nick Younger. Howard mentioned he would like to convey one other title to L.A., however he additionally needs to develop the game of basketball.
“I am excited to hitch Ice Dice and the BIG3 – particularly proper after being inducted into the basketball Corridor of Fame,” Howard mentioned. “Phrases cannot describe how grateful I’m for these alternatives. I can not wait to hitch the LA Riot and attempt to convey one other championship to town of LA. However, the final word aim I’ve is to assist the league go international.”
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Howard spent 18 seasons within the NBA with seven completely different groups, together with the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he gained a championship in 2020. On the peak of his powers, Howard earned first-team All-NBA honors 5 years in a row from 2008-12, and he led the league in rebounding on 5 completely different events. He’ll convey that defensive prowess to the BIG3, however the 3-on-3 league also needs to let him showcase his offensive ability too.
Howard’s Riot can be certainly one of eight city-based groups within the 2025 season, becoming a member of Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Miami and the DMV space. Star-studded roster bulletins are simply on the horizon.
