Dwight Howard set to reinforce PH team Strong Group in Dubai tilt

Dwight Howard is set to play for the Philippines.

According to a recent post by The Athletic’s Shams Charania on X, the renowned former NBA champion and eight-time All-Star is gearing up to join the Philippine team Strong Group in the upcoming Dubai International Basketball 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

The 38-year-old Howard recently participated in a preseason workout with the Golden State Warriors after a stint with the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan’s T1 League.

The once main man of the Orlando Magic last played in the NBA during the 2021-2022 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. In 60 games with the LeBron James-powered squad, he averaged 6.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 16.2 minutes per game.

The 6-foot-10 center is anticipated to be the prominent figure in a talented lineup being assembled by Strong Group for the tournament taking place from January 19 to 28.

Strong Group, under the guidance of College of St. Benilde’s Charles Tiu, and reinforced by former PBA imports Renaldo Balkman and Shabazz Mohammad, fell short of their target and exited the quarterfinal stage in Dubai last year, following a defeat to Lebanese team Al Riyadi.

In the upcoming days, the team is expected to unveil its complete roster with insiders speculating that former Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Andray Blatche and UAAP Season 86 MVP Kevin Quiambao will be among the shoo-ins.