Dwight Howard Retires After Two Games in Georgia

Dwight Howard has officially ended his professional basketball career following a short stint with Georgian club Black Fortress Tbilisi. The 40-year-old former NBA superstar played just two games for the team before the club confirmed his retirement, bringing an end to a career that spanned more than two decades.

Howard made his European debut in October, recording 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in his first appearance. He followed that with 10 points and four rebounds in his final game, an 89-82 defeat to Tbilisi State University. Despite his limited time in Georgia, the former center showed that he could still contribute on the court.

Selected first overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2004 NBA Draft, Howard became one of the league’s most dominant centers. He reached the NBA Finals with Orlando in 2009, won the Defensive Player of the Year award three consecutive times and claimed an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. He also earned eight All-Star selections during his 18-season NBA career.

After leaving the NBA, Howard continued playing internationally, including spells in Taiwan and other competitions, before his brief move to Georgia. A Hall of Fame inductee, he leaves the game with a legacy built on defensive dominance, rebounding and spectacular dunks.