Get ready for Dwight Howard's promotional efforts, Philadelphia 76ers fans. They are coming.
Although the ex-Sixer officially announced his retirement back in March, the veteran center isn't actually going to step away. This week, Howard announced that he is going to play overseas for the Black Fortress Tbilisi of Georgia's Superliga.
What's the endgame here for Howard? He's already one of the best centers of his generation. He landed a Hall of Fame induction. His resume is stacked, and he didn't leave the game ringless. No matter what his long-term plans are, you can bet that Howard's going to watch the Sixers in 2026-2027 and want a piece.
We've seen this movie before
Over the years, Howard has half-jokingly campaigned for teams like the Los Angeles Lakers to add him on social media. Having three stints out in LA, Howard clearly felt a close connection with the franchise. It also helped that he had a good connection with LeBron James.
The King is no longer wearing the purple and gold. James signed with the Sixers on a two-year deal this summer, and that has to intrigue Howard. Not only is LeBron going to continue his career at 41 in Philadelphia, but Howard had a positive one-year experience playing with the 76ers.
It seems ridiculous, but just be prepared.
Is it a far-fetched reunion?
It has to be. Look, Howard is one year younger than LeBron and looks to be in great shape, but the Sixers can't gamble on adding players well past their primes. Howard had some quality performances in a 76ers uniform, but his presence wasn't a game-changer in the 2021 playoffs.
During that season, Howard came off the bench for all but six of the 69 games he played. Seeing the court for 17.3 minutes per game, Dwight Howard posted averages of 7.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and nearly 1.0 blocks per game. In the playoffs, he had averages of 4.7 points and 6.3 rebounds in 12.4 minutes per game.
Howard turned in one more season after that with LeBron and the Lakers. Since 2022, he hasn't stepped foot on a basketball court beyond his Taoyuan Leopards venture.
The Sixers do have some question marks at the center position beyond Joel Embiid. Since Andre Drummond joined the New York Knicks, the Sixers added Ariel Hukporti, while continuing to bank on the development of Adem Bona. If they had the financial wiggle room to fill their 15th slot, a center makes the most sense at this time. The Sixers will play the patient game for the time being, giving Howard the opportunity to start campaigning for the job.
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