Ice Cube has managed to secure the signing of an NBA Hall of Famer and perhaps the biggest name yet for his BIG3 basketball league.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday (April 9), Cube revealed that Orlando Magic legend Dwight Howard had agreed to play in his popular three-on-three league for one final season as a professional basketball player.
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The former NBA champion and eight-time All-Star will suit up for the Los Angeles Riot as the league shifts to a city-based model.
In a statement, Howard said he is “excited and can’t wait to show off the other aspects of his game that he didn’t get to show in the NBA while also helping to expand the league globally.”
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Cube added: “On behalf of the entire league, I want to be the first one to welcome Dwight Howard to the BIG3. His legacy speaks for itself, and he still has fun playing the game.
“We all know that Dwight Howard can do more on the basketball court than he was able to show in the NBA. So, it’s going to be nice to see him open up his game and show his all-around skills on the court in the BIG3.”
The N.W.A legend and BIG3 owner added: “He’s a perfect fit for the league, not just because of his athleticism and size but also due to our shared desire to grow the game of basketball around the world.
“We are honored that he has chosen to bring his game and star power to the BIG3. I look forward to seeing him challenge our three-on-three stars this summer and see if he can win himself another championship.”
For his part, Howard said: “I’m excited to join Ice Cube and the BIG3 — especially right after being inducted into the basketball Hall of Fame. Words can’t describe how grateful I am for these opportunities. I can’t wait to join the L.A. Riot and try to bring another championship to the city of L.A.”
Dwight Howard will follow in the footsteps of other NBA legends to have played in the BIG3 such as Allen Iverson, Joe Johnson and Amar’e Stoudemaire.
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He will also join a number of former NBA pros on the L.A. Riot roster which boasts Jordan Crawford as a co-captain and ex-Laker Nick “Swaggy P” Young as its coach.
The news comes just days after it was announced that Howard would be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame alongside the likes of Carmelo Anthony.
