Dwight Howard Delivers Strong Debut for Black Fortress Tbilisi

Dwight Howard made his European debut for Black Fortress Tbilisi in Georgia as the 40-year-old former NBA champion returned to professional basketball action, recording 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in a 70-75 loss to BC Iverioni.

According to BasketNews and Sports Yahoo, Howard played 17 minutes and shot 5-for-8 from the field in his first game for the Georgian Superleague club. Black Fortress Tbilisi fell to 0-2 to begin the 2026-27 season.

Howard announced his move to Black Fortress Tbilisi in September after continuing his international basketball career outside the NBA. According to Sports Yahoo, he previously played in Taiwan, the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Mongolia after his final NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021-22.

Howard also drew attention from NBA fans after his debut, with discussions emerging around potential returns to former teams. A Lakers Nation podcast listener suggested the Lakers consider him as a reserve center option behind Walker Kessler.

"I have more confidence in a (40-year-old) Dwight for 10-12 mins (per game) than Looney." said a listener of the Lakers Nation podcast.

Lakers reporter Trevor Lane responded to the suggestion while discussing Howard's current physical condition compared with his previous NBA years.

"I know you may say you got more confidence in Dwight right now than Looney, it’s not that Dwight looks bad, I don’t think he looks nearly as explosive as he used to be in this footage, nor would I expect him to. Again, going-on 41 years old here. … I don’t have a lot of hope Dwight Howard is still an NBA level player." said Trevor Lane, Lakers reporter.

The Lakers have used Howard in three separate stints, including the 2019-20 championship season when he played a key reserve role. According to BasketNews, he spent the 2020-21 season with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 7 points, 8.9 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 69 appearances.

Howard highlighted his return to Georgia before joining Black Fortress Tbilisi. The former Orlando Magic star entered the NBA Hall of Fame after a career that included eight All-Star selections, five All-NBA Team selections and three Defensive Player of the Year awards.

"Georgia, here I come! I don't mean my hometown of Atlanta. Just wait for October, when we'll set the court on fire with Black Fortress," wrote Dwight Howard, former NBA player.

Howard last played for the Lakers during the 2021-22 season, when he averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game. His NBA career also included stops with the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers.

After his debut in Georgia, Howard thanked supporters and expressed appreciation for the reception from fans and the team. His next games will continue with Black Fortress Tbilisi during the Georgian Superleague season.

"Thank you everyone who came to the game today 🙏🏾 I really appreciate all the love and hospitality I've been experiencing here in Georgia🇬🇪 ❤️ You all are making me feel like I'm at home back in the other Georgia 😭 & to all my @black_fortress_tbilisi family just know we will be back stronger next week❗️#tbilisi🇬🇪 #tbilisilovesyou," wrote Dwight Howard, former NBA player.