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EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 27: Dwight Howard speaks to the press during Los Angeles Lakers media day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 27, 2019 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dwight Howard is one of the most dominant players in NBA history.
The Basketball Hall of Famer last played in the league during the 2021-22 season when he was a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
That year, the eight-time All-Star was a solid role player, finishing with averages of 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per contest while shooting 61.2% from the field in 60 games (27 starts).
Dwight Howard Wants To Make An NBA Return
GettyTORONTO, ON – MARCH 18: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up ahead of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on March 18, 2022 in Toronto, Canada (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
On Thursday night, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the news that the Memphis Grizzlies are signing Taj Gibson to a contract.
Gibson is 40 (and has played 16 NBA seasons).
Charania wrote: “The return: Taj Gibson has agreed on a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. At 40 years old, Gibson is back in the NBA for his 17th season – a big man regarded as a consummate leader and professional over his career.”
One person who reacted to the news was Howard.
His post had over 1,300 likes and 60,000 impressions in one hour.
Howard wrote: “People like Taj Gibson & Al Horford is the reason I ain’t retired 🤷🏾♂️ I want a farewell tour”
Dwight Howard Backround
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 08: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic laughs in the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center on December 8, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Howard was the first pick in the 2004 NBA Draft out of high school.
Over 18 seasons, he played for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers.
He is most known for his run with Orlando that saw them make a run to the 2009 NBA Finals (with him as the best player).
His career averages are 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.8 blocks per contest while shooting 58.7% from the field in 1,242 games.
At 40, Howard could probably still help an NBA team in limited minutes off the bench.
He has also spent time playing overseas (and in the BIG3).
During the 2020 season, Howard helped LeBron James and the Lakers win the NBA Championship over the Miami Heat.
He did an excellent job of turning into a solid role player over his final three seasons.
GettyLAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers after winning the 2020 NBA Championship in Game Six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
As for the current Lakers, they are playing the Phoenix Suns on Thursday evening in Arizona.
They are the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a 34-23 record in 57 games.
Last season, the Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs (in five games).
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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