Google News Dwight Howard signs with Taiwanese team
by | VIEW 290
Dwight Howard is set to play overseas for the first time in his career as he has signed with Taiwan's Taoyuan Leopards. Howard, 36, was the first overall pick of the 2004 NBA draft and spent 18 seasons in the league. After failing to secure a new NBA deal this offseason, Howard is set to resume his basketball career in Taiwan.
In his statement, Howard said he is looking forward to playing pro basketball in Taiwan. "I am so so excited, and I can't wait to touch down in Taiwan and start playing. I'm coming with open arms, with big hugs and big smiles," Howard said in a statement shared by his new team.
Howard didn't get an NBA contract this offseason
In 2020, Howard became an NBA champion after he helped the Los Angeles Lakers win it all in the bubble. Then, Howard left the Lakers to join the Philadelphia 76ers. After spending a year with the 76ers, Howard returned to the Lakers for the third time in his career.
Last season, Howard averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in just over 16 minutes per game. After the season ended, Howard didn't receive any interest from NBA teams. In a recent appearance on Club Shay Shay, Howard told Shannon Sharpe he would like to sign with the Golden State Warriors.
“Oh man, that’s perfect. I’ve been a warrior my whole life; I started out at my school as a warrior. They need a big. I know they have Kevon Looney and I know they have the young blood [James] Wiseman, but I’m Dwight Howard.
Wiseman can learn so much from me because he’s heading in that direction of being a great big man. I feel like even in that situation, playing with all shooters like that, Steph [Curry], the way he can get open and with me setting screens, he’s going to get more wide open.
Klay [Thompson] is the same way. Draymond [Green] in the pick-and-roll with me and him, me being able to teach Wiseman how to play defense and how to block shots- I would love to play ‘Season 19’ and go out on top," Howard said on Club Shay Shay.
Now, Howard is set for a completely new experience as he has never played outside the NBA in his pro career.