The highly anticipated eighth season of Ice Cube’s three-on-three basketball league, BIG3, kicked off with an undeniable bang, largely thanks to the dramatic debut of NBA superstar Dwight Howard. Howard, a legendary figure in basketball, exited his very first BIG3 game in a fashion that instantly became national news.
“Quite a debut,” Howard exclusively shared, acknowledging the unforgettable start. The former NBA center found himself in a heated altercation with Lance Stephenson late in the second half of the opening game, a clash that quickly went viral across social media and garnered significant media attention. This electrifying introduction, complete with a scuffle spilling into the VIP section, not only set a fiery tone for the season but also marked a significant new chapter in Howard’s illustrious career.
Ice Cube, the visionary co-founder of the BIG3, aptly summarized the moment, noting that Howard “added some spice to the game” and welcoming him enthusiastically to the league. This wasn’t just a simple game; it was a grand entrance designed to grab headlines and showcase the competitive spirit of the BIG3.
The On-Court Spark: Howard vs. Stephenson
Dwight Howard’s BIG3 debut was undeniably memorable, though perhaps not for the reasons typically associated with a Hall of Famer’s first game. The highly publicized scuffle with Lance Stephenson quickly overshadowed the on-court statistics, becoming the defining moment of the league’s opening weekend.
The Altercation Unfolds
The physical exchange between Howard and Stephenson occurred near the baseline during intense play. Howard explained the sequence of events, attributing the escalation to Stephenson’s actions during a boxing-out situation. “He kind of put his hand up like he was going to throw a punch, and I was going to block it,” Howard recounted. He added, “Then he did it again. So I’m like, ‘All right now. You can’t keep acting like you’re going to throw punches in my face.
It’s a little respect.'” This direct challenge to Howard’s personal space and professional respect ultimately led to the two former NBA players wrestling with each other. The confrontation became so intense that it cascaded into a VIP seating section, a rare sight in professional basketball, further escalating the drama. Both players were immediately ejected from the game, a clear consequence of the league’s zero-tolerance policy for such physical altercations.
Viral Aftermath and Celebrity Reaction
The immediacy of the incident, combined with the star power of both Howard and Stephenson, ensured widespread visibility. The game was nationally televised on CBS, meaning millions of viewers witnessed the altercation live. Almost instantly, clips of the fight went viral across all social media platforms. Fans and media outlets dissected every angle, fueling discussions about the intensity of the BIG3 and the personalities of its players.
For Howard, the personal aftermath was just as immediate; his phone was inundated with calls, including one from his crying mother, whom he quickly placated.
For Ice Cube, the league’s co-founder and a hip-hop icon, the incident, while chaotic, signaled a successful debut from an attention-grabbing standpoint. He had long awaited Howard’s presence in the league. Cube revealed that he had been persistently calling and texting Howard, who last played in the NBA in 2022, for a couple of years.
His consistent message to Howard was simple: he’d have fun in the BIG3, and they would treat him with the respect and recognition fitting of the star he is. The viral moment, despite its contentious nature, arguably delivered on Cube’s promise of excitement and high-profile attention for the league.
Dwight Howard: A Hall of Famer’s New Home
Dwight Howard’s decision to join the BIG3 is a significant coup for the league, bringing in one of basketball’s most recognizable and accomplished big men.
An Illustrious NBA Career
Howard’s basketball resume is nothing short of legendary. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, he embarked on an illustrious 18-year career that saw him become one of the league’s most dominant centers. His accolades speak volumes: an eight-time NBA All-Star and a remarkable three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
He also achieved the pinnacle of team success, winning an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Howard’s imposing presence, athleticism, and shot-blocking ability earned him the nickname “Superman” and cemented his place among the league’s elite. He is now slated for induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.
Joining Elite Company in the BIG3
By joining the BIG3, Howard becomes only the third Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer to play in the league. He follows in the footsteps of fellow legends Chauncey Billups and Allen Iverson. While Iverson’s tenure in the league was brief and saw limited on-court action, Billups actively participated. Howard’s commitment to playing, despite the opening game’s dramatic exit, signifies a new era of high-profile talent joining the 3-on-3 circuit. His presence immediately elevates the league’s profile and draws in a broader audience of basketball fans.
The Recruitment Effort: A Team Approach
Landing an athlete of Dwight Howard’s caliber was not a solitary effort. It required a concerted recruitment campaign, which Ice Cube described as a “team effort.” Key figures within the BIG3 organization actively pursued Howard:
- BIG3 Head of Player Operations Thomas Scott: The son of Los Angeles Lakers legend Byron Scott, Thomas Scott brought a deep understanding of NBA players and their needs.
- Former NBA veteran Dion Glover: Hailing from Atlanta, like Howard, Glover could connect with the star on a more personal, hometown level.
- Hall of Famer and BIG3 Commissioner Clyde Drexler: As a respected NBA legend himself, Drexler’s direct outreach carried significant weight, offering a peer-to-peer appeal.
This collective and persistent outreach ultimately bore fruit in 2025. Howard finally agreed to join the BIG3 after successfully fulfilling his international playing commitments with the Taiwan Mustangs. His decision signals a significant shift in his career trajectory. “This year is just perfect timing,” he stated, adding, “I’ve graduated from five-on-five. It’s only three-on-three for me now.” This declaration highlights a deliberate choice to transition to the faster-paced, more concentrated three-on-three format, suggesting it aligns better with his current career goals and physical readiness.
Dwight Howard’s Expanding Business Portfolio
Beyond his on-court endeavors, Dwight Howard has been actively building a diverse business portfolio, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to expanding opportunities within basketball and beyond.
A Stake in International Basketball
Even though Howard has concluded his playing stint in Taiwan, his involvement in international basketball remains significant. He has invested deeply in the global game, demonstrating a vision for basketball’s growth outside the traditional NBA ecosystem. Howard notably owns both a league (The Asian Tournament) and a team (Macau Black Bears). His team operates with both an A and a B squad, showcasing a structured approach to player development and competition.
This ownership stake underscores his commitment to creating pathways for other players. “I want guys to have more opportunities to play,” Howard emphasized. He firmly believes that “The NBA is not the only place you can play basketball at a high level,” advocating for the legitimacy and competitiveness of international leagues. This venture provides valuable platforms for players who may not fit the NBA mold but still possess elite skills.
“Above the Rim with DH12” Podcast
Howard’s entrepreneurial ventures extend beyond basketball ownership. He has ventured into the media landscape by hosting the podcast titled “Above the Rim with DH12.” Launched in 2024, the podcast has already released 32 episodes, featuring a variety of conversations with athletes and, with future plans, entertainers.
The podcast serves as a platform for Howard to explore topics beyond the court, offering fans a glimpse into his broader interests and personality. “Everything has always been about basketball with me for the past 20 years,” he reflected. “I want to talk about things above basketball. We still talk about basketball, but there’s so much other things in life.” This project provides a valuable opportunity to expand his fanbase and allows people to see a different side of him, moving beyond his public persona as solely a basketball player. It showcases his evolution as a multifaceted individual with diverse interests.
On-Court Performance and Future Prospects
Despite the dramatic opening, Howard’s on-court performance in his BIG3 debut offered glimpses of his continued talent, while also highlighting the unique physicality of the 3-on-3 format.
Adjusting to the BIG3’s Physicality
In his first game with the LA Riot, Howard started and played approximately half of the contest. He recorded a solid statistical line of 10 points and seven rebounds. Notably, all but two of his points came from the free-throw line, indicating a high level of physical contact and numerous fouls drawn by the opposing team.
This reliance on free throws underscores the intense physicality characteristic of BIG3 games. Howard himself acknowledged the learning curve, stating, “My first time playing, I didn’t understand the physicality.” He recognized the need for adaptation: “Now that I see it, now I can adjust and get ready for the next game.” This adaptability will be key as he navigates the season.
Howard faced formidable opponents known for their bruising play, particularly Reggie Evans, in addition to his famous altercation with Lance Stephenson. Both Stephenson, who played 10 years in the NBA, and Howard, with his 18-year NBA career, are seasoned veterans accustomed to intense competition.
Despite the on-court scuffle, Howard maintained a professional stance towards Stephenson. “I have nothing but love for Lance. We’ve been knowing each other for a long time,” he affirmed. “Whatever happens on the court, we should leave it there.” This mature perspective suggests that the heat of the moment was confined to the game itself.
Embracing His Role and Looking Ahead
Indeed, Howard seemed to be in good spirits following the game. He embraced his new role as an ambassador for the BIG3, demonstrating genuine engagement with fans. He was seen posing for selfies and interacting with spectators for hours after his LA Riot squad suffered a 50-44 defeat to the Miami 305 at Allstate Arena in Chicago. This post-game interaction highlights his commitment to the league and its community-focused ethos.
The question now looms: will this be a mere one-year stint in the BIG3 for the iconic center, or a longer-term commitment? When asked about his future with the league, Howard responded with cautious optimism: “We’ll see how it goes, but I’m happy and excited to play.” He expressed gratitude towards Ice Cube and the opportunity presented by the BIG3, stating, “I love Cube, and I’m thankful for this opportunity.”
His participation not only adds star power and competitive fire to the BIG3 but also offers him a platform to continue playing at a high level while simultaneously expanding his influence in the global basketball business. His journey from NBA superstar to international league owner and now BIG3 player exemplifies a dynamic and evolving career beyond traditional professional basketball.
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