Dwight Howard is making headlines, but this time, it’s not about an NBA comeback or off-court drama. Instead, the veteran big man is gearing up for a brand-new chapter—one that’s less about glory and more about love for the game. After wrapping up a stint with the Sixers and leaving a mark with the Lakers, many assumed he’d quietly ride off into retirement. But nope—Howard’s not done yet. He’s stepping onto a different kind of hardwood: the Big 3 league.

A 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame inductee with eight All-Star nods and three Defensive Player of the Year awards, Howard’s résumé is stacked, which makes his Big 3 move a head-scratcher for some.

Howard is lacing up for the Los Angeles Riot, a squad led by none other than Nick Young. Yup, Swaggy P himself is coaching. He’s joining as a player-captain for the Los Angeles Riot alongside Jordan Crawford and Elijah Stewart, ready to dominate the paint when the BIG3’s 2025 season kicks off on June 14 with a new city-based format. And with that, Howard, known for his dominance in the paint and signature dunks, is now embracing a league that’s all about experience, hustle, and fun. But while fans are curious and maybe even excited, not all of his peers are sold on the idea. Some think the Big 3 might be beneath a guy with Howard’s résumé.

But, despite the doubt, Howard got support for his decision when Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf shared his Big 3 journey. While chatting on The Oasis with Haqq Islam, the former Nuggets star shared, “Well, I haven’t played in three years, the last three years, but I was fortunate to play five years with them straight.”

What made those five years feel like a blessing? Abdul-Rauf explained, “It was nice because it enabled me to be able to play, one, because it’s been so long and I still kind of stayed in shape. And so a part of it was able to just go out there and play against a lot of guys you never played against because they were younger.”

And it didn’t stop there. He added, “And then you’re out there and then you finally get a chance to play and then you’re doing well. And you’re doing well, you’re still draining them [the] threes. Yeah, and so now what happens, and it’s only by the grace and mercy of Allah.”

The Big 3’s all about giving NBA vets a shot to keep hooping. With its 3-on-3 setup, four-point shot, and shorter games, it’s a vibe where guys like Rashard Lewis and Jason Williams have balled out. For Dwight, it’s a chance to throw down dunks and lock up the paint while soaking in Nick Young’s wild energy as coach.

So maybe, just maybe, Dwight’s not chasing relevance—he’s chasing joy. The only question left is why his peers are having doubts?

Dwight Howard’s Big 3 motives got questioned

Most NBA vets hang up their sneakers and fade out quietly. But not Dwight Howard. He’s been everywhere since stepping away from the league. From lighting up courts in Taiwan with the Taoyuan Leopards, to popping up with the Mavericks in The Basketball Tournament, and even being briefly tied to Puerto Rico’s pro league—though he never suited up. Still, the real twist? He’s now heading into Ice Cube’s Big 3.

But hold up—everyone’s not totally convinced. On the Club 520 Podcast, Jeff Teague had some questions. “I think it’d be a good thing,” he said, before throwing in a jab. “I just want to know if he’s going, if he’s playing for real or if Dwight Howard going to be shooting threes and s–t…, I need you to score all the points.” Basically, Teague wants to know which version of Dwight is pulling up—Lakers-era beast or Taiwan three-point chucker?

Still, Teague gave credit where it’s due. “It’s Christmas out there with Dwight,” he joked, imagining the chaos Howard could bring. “He should get out there and really play for real. He’s going to average, he’s going to be the MVP of the league.” So yeah, even the skeptics see the upside—if he locks in.

And apparently, Dwight’s ready. He dropped the tweet, “I am extremely excited to be joining @thebig3 can’t wait to show yall the REAL Dwight from SACA.” SACA is his old high school, where he led his squad to a 31–2 record and won a state title. So can he channel that energy again? We’re about to find out.