All eyes were on Dwight Howard earlier this year. There were whispers, maybe even hopes, of an NBA return as rumors of him potentially joining the Lakers were going around. Physically, he was still in shape. But in April, Howard admitted his focus was now on family. “Playing basketball forever I can’t run with my kids anymore. My knees will be shot,” he said, putting NBA dreams on hold. Just when fans gave up, came the surprise: Dwight was joining the Big3.Fans celebrated, and Ice Cube was thrilled, calling him a “perfect fit for the league.” Now, two weeks into the 8th season, Dwight has already lit up the court and is preparing for a week three clash with Miami 3’s Company. So far, he’s looked solid.
In week one, he made his debut against Miami 3’s Company, posting 10 points and 7 rebounds. Even though his team, LA Riot, lost 50–44, it was a promising start. Fast forward to June 22, and Dwight stepped it up. Facing Dallas Power, he scored 9 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and swatted away a shot. Riot walked away with their first win. With his successful initiation to the league, the question arises: If he ruled out the NBA, how did he end up in the Big3?It all came out live at Fanatics Fest NYC. During a podcast recording of Above the Rim, Ice Cube, Dwight, and Mu Real shared the moment. “Now we got to tell him a funny behind the scenes story,” said Mu Real. He recalled Ice Cube’s son, O’Shea, who came on to promote Den of Thieves 2. “I told my dad I was coming on the pod and he said you got Dwight on the pod man, tell his a— to come to the big3.” It turns out, it was December last year that things really started to go forward.
