Dwight Howard heads to Europe with Black Fortress Tbilisi

Howard’s next chapter: heading to Tbilisi

At 40 years old, Dwight Howard is set to play in Europe for the first time. The veteran center will join Black Fortress Tbilisi in October, a surprising new stop in a career that’s already taken him around the globe. He confirmed the decision on social media, saying he was swayed by fans who asked him to bring his energy to Georgia.

Howard playfully referenced his nickname and promised to bring excitement to the team and the local crowd when the season starts. Choosing Tbilisi was a nod to his roots—he was born in Atlanta, Georgia—and to the enthusiastic reaction from supporters.

Where he’s been and what he still brings

Howard hasn’t appeared in an NBA game since his 2022 stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, but he hasn’t stopped playing professionally. In recent years he turned up in leagues outside the NBA, including stops in Taiwan and Dubai, and he also competed in the BIG3. Now he’s extending that journey to Georgia.

Even late in his career, Howard’s résumé is impressive: an eight-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection and a three-time Defensive Player of the Year. He led the league in rebounding multiple times, topped the blocks leaderboard on two occasions, and added an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020. He had briefly announced his retirement, but clearly decided to keep playing and will bring veteran presence and rim protection to his new club.

Fans in Tbilisi can expect a physical, energetic big man who still knows how to impact a game. Whether this turns into another long-term chapter or a short-term tour, it’s another intriguing twist in a career full of them.