REPORT: Dwight Howard set to explore NBL stint

NBA champion Dwight Howard is reportedly in the process of considering his options for the next step in his illustrious career, with the NBL said to be firmly in the mix for his next move. 

According to BasketNews, the eight-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-NBA First team member is keen to explore the Australian and European markets.

Howard is reported to be looking for a league that will provide him the best possible chance of an eventual return to the NBA.

"Per BasketNews sources, ProBasket Consulting and Brightside Sports, responsible for managing Howard's affairs in Europe, are actively presenting Howard to European teams, including EuroLeague and EuroCup clubs. Beyond the NBA, Europe and the NBL league in Australia are the destinations Howard is focusing on," Donatas Urbonas said on basketnews.com.

At 37 years of age, Howard remains a force to reckoned with. His professional journey encompasses an incredible 18-year run in the NBA.

Howard, the no. 1 pick at the 2004 NBA draft, played for the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan's professional basketball league last season. He averaged 23.2 points—a shooting accuracy of 57.7 per cent, 16.2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.2 blocked shots across 20 games. 

He also made his mark during the 2021-22 NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Across a total of 60 games, Howard averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds, in 16 minutes a game.

Howard's NBA career spans 1,242 games with teams including the Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, and Atlanta Hawks. He has maintained career averages of 15.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. To top that off, Howard won the league's Defensive Player of the Year award three times in a row (2009-2011).