FIRST, Nick Young.

Then Shabazz Muhammad, and Renaldo Balkman.

Now, eight-time NBA All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard is set to join Strong Group Philippines in the 2024 Dubai International Tournament, which kicks off on Jan.19-28.

The news of Howard playing for a Philippine-based team was first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Charania said Howard is still hoping to play in the NBA again and choosing a short-term contract allows him to keep his hopes of returning to the big league.

Howard, who won an NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, is expected to arrive next week to join Andray Blatche, a former naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas.

Strong Group has a track record of significant signings, exemplified by their recruitment of former NBA players like Young, Muhammad, and Balkman.

Howard, the former Orlando Magic superstar, last played with the Lakers for 60 games during the 2021-2022.

He averaged 6.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, in 16.2 minutes per contest.

After leaving the Lakers in the 2021-22 season, Howard brought his talents to Asian basketball by signing with the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan’s T1 League.

With the Leopards, Howard averaged an impressive 23.2 points, 16.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 blocks.

The 38-year-old big man also recently underwent a preseason workout with the Golden State Warriors.

Strong Group is also reportedly considering former Oklahoma City Thunder defensive specialist Andre’ Roberson as another import to join Howard.

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Robert Andaya