“You still want to be able to move around and walk for your kids.” When Dwight Howard said that in a sit-down with Kevin Garnett, it struck a chord. After spending years chasing basketball glory, Howard admitted he’s stepped away from the NBA dream—not because he couldn’t play, but because he wanted to stay in shape to enjoy the game with his son. That said, some opportunities are just too good to pass up. Especially when Ice Cube’s Big3 comes calling.

That’s right. Boasting 8 All-Star selections, 3 Defensive Player of the Year awards, and an NBA championship, Dwight is suiting up again, but this time, it’s for Cube’s 3-on-3 league, which has grown into a $160 million sports and entertainment powerhouse. And what’s already making headlines isn’t just his return—it’s how this move is helping his son level up, too.

Howard recently opened up about it on the Above The Rim podcast. He sounded genuinely thrilled to be back in a format he hasn’t really played since high school. And now, he’s not doing it alone. His son has started experimenting with the 3-on-3 game as well—and according to Dwight, it’s already making a difference.

“I actually got my son, he started playing more three-on-three. And that’s really taking his skill level to a new height because now he don’t have the other two people,” Howard shared. And it makes sense—fewer players mean more time with the ball, more responsibility, and more chances to make plays. The reduced number of players in 3-on-3 inherently creates more open space on the court, forcing players to make quicker decisions with the ball and develop their individual offensive skills, such as creating their own shot and handling pressure without relying as much on teammates.

Ice Cube, who was part of the conversation, couldn’t agree more. He pointed out how the format keeps players active and involved at every moment. “Always room for you to show what you can do. And you stay active in the game,” Cube added, reinforcing how this setup naturally boosts development.

But what brought a moment of pause was when Howard got personal. He spoke about the bond he shares with his youngest son. “I know I have my other children but this son, he lives with me. He lost his mom a couple years ago and so we have this special bond… I see a great example on the success level that I am with basketball entertainment and that’s you. So I’m really happy about this opportunity,” he said, turning to Cube with a heartfelt nod.

For those who may not know, Howard is a father of five—Braylon, Dwight, David, Layla, and Jayde. Since the passing of David’s mother in 2020, Dwight has taken on full custody. And from everything he shared, it’s clear he’s not just returning to the court for himself—he’s making sure David is right there beside him, growing, learning, and sharing every step of this new journey.

A quick look at what Dwight Howard’s Big3 stint would look like

The 8x NBA All-Star and newly inducted Hall of Famer is lacing up his sneakers for one final season—this time with the BIG3. And yes, he’s doing it in style, joining the Los Angeles Riot for the 2025 season as he looks to close out his storied career on a high.

BIG3 founder Ice Cube made the big reveal on Wednesday, confirming D12’s arrival as the league makes its move to a city-based format. This shift from a touring model to teams representing specific cities aims to build stronger local fan bases and create more traditional team rivalries, potentially increasing the league’s overall appeal and sustainability. The timing couldn’t be better. With 3 Defensive Player of the Year trophies under his belt, Howard’s presence instantly boosts the Riot’s star power.

“On behalf of the entire league, I want to be the first one to welcome Dwight Howard to the BIG3,” Ice Cube shared. “His legacy speaks for itself… He’s a perfect fit,” he added, highlighting not just Howard’s physical tools but their shared passion for expanding basketball’s reach.

But Howard’s not just there to play—he’s there to lead. He’ll serve as a player-captain alongside Jordan Crawford and Elijah Stewart, with former NBA champ Nick Young calling the shots from the bench. That’s a lot of firepower packed into one squad.

As for Howard, he’s soaking it all in. “I can’t wait to join the LA Riot and try to bring another championship to the city of LA,” he said, before turning to a bigger dream—helping the league grow worldwide. All that remains is to see how exposure to this new format helps Dwight Howard shape his son’s game, which seemed to be his primary focus on the Above The Rim podcast.