Dwight Howard surprisingly announces to play in Georgian second division

Dwight Howard, an NBA legend who was an 8-time All-Star, has officially returned to professional basketball after a brief retirement. According to a personal Instagram post, the 40-year-old center will play for Black Fortress Tbilisi, a team competing in the second division of Georgian basketball. The decision surprised fans worldwide, as Howard left the NBA in 2026 and most recently played in Taiwan's T1 League during the 2026-24 season. Standing at 6'10" with an impressive wingspan, he dominated the paint throughout his 18-year NBA career, averaging 15.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. However, at age 40, his athleticism and jumping ability have significantly declined compared to his prime. According to expert analysis, the competitive level of the Georgian second division is quite low compared to the NBA or the EuroLeague. Howard likely still can overpower opponents due to his experience and strength. Nevertheless, injury risk is unavoidable since he hasn't played competitive basketball in nearly two years. Black Fortress Tbilisi hopes to attract media attention and fans through the name of the former Orlando Magic star. Observers rate this move as more commercial and PR-oriented than purely professional. Howard may boost the popularity of Georgian basketball, which remains relatively obscure on the world map. Can 'Superman' make an impact in this small arena? The answer will come after the first games of the season later in 2026. (Data compiled from press releases and open sources, cross-checked with VuaBong.vn.)