After playing pro in Taiwan, Dwight Howard could potentially return to NBA after news of meeting with Golden state warriors spread
Taoyuan Leopards
After spending the ‘21-’22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, in which he averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game, the eight-time NBA All star played pro in Taiwan. He made his debut in Taiwan’s T1 League and played for one of its six teams, the Taoyuan Leopards. Howard was excited about his new journey in Taiwan and said that he always loved the energy that he felt when visiting Taiwan.
“Back in 2013 I told Taiwan that I would do my best to come back so that I can spread love & put smiles on peoples faces through basketball. Now here I am writing this message to announce that I will be returning to Taiwan with the @taoyuan_leopards to play & give the people of Taiwan a chance to watch me play in real time.”, Howard said in his Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkrwXkLu6jI/
“I have always loved the energy I felt visiting Taiwan as you can see I still have posters hanging up on my walls from my first 2 times visiting!”, he continued.
However, on June 2023, it was reported that the Leopards finished last in the league and were the only one that wouldn’t make it to the playoffs. Howard was also unhappy when he discovered that his contract had been reduced by 65% in comparison to the amount he had been promised.
During his time in Taiwan, he averaged 23.2 points and 16.2 rebounds per game.
Dwight and Team USA
Just this week, Howard also stirred up basketball fans when he expressed his desire to join Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I like what I see 💪🏾but don’t leave ya boy out🤔 …if ya leave me out I’m playing with Taiwan and I’m dropping 85 😅#nba #basketball #legends”
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Meeting with Golden Warriors
On Sep 16, The Athletic’s Shams Charania announced that Howard will meet with the Golden State Warriors next week.
Eight-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard will meet with the Golden State Warriors next week, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The team has been exploring signing a reserve veteran big man, and now the 2020 Lakers championship center will visit with Warriors officials soon.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 15, 2023
Since then, there’s been a lot of talk on social media about him possibly getting back into the NBA and why he should be a part of the Golden State Warriors:
@RamonIsHim:
Why I want Dwight Howard on the Warriors:
-Would be a backup big who isn’t a soft PF playing out of position like we’re used to
-Even tho he’s older, he still has All-Time level defensive & rebounding instincts. You can’t teach that shit
-Adds much needed physicality to our roster
-He’s constantly in great shape. No need to worry about him being gassed.
-Adds a fun personality to the locker room, something we lacked last year and it showed.
Nobody is saying getting Dwight will win us a chip, but he DEFINITELY can help us.
Why I want Dwight Howard on the Warriors:
-Would be a backup big who isn’t a soft PF playing out of position like we’re used to
-Even tho he’s older, he still has All-Time level defensive & rebounding instincts. You can’t teach that shit
-Adds much needed physicality to our… pic.twitter.com/atrudASZML
— Ramon 🇵🇷⚡️ (@RamonIsHim) September 16, 2023
@0CEANGR0WNTREEZ:
now THIS is a huge W if they get him. he’s hungry & motivated and they need a big badly to help Kevon. this would actually make them contenders. (don’t let him splash 3s eirher)
now THIS is a huge W if they get him. he's hungry & motivated and they need a big badly to help Kevon. this would actually make them contenders. (don't let him splash 3s eirher)
— Tʀᴇᴇᴢ™ (@0CEANGR0WNTREEZ) September 15, 2023
@CFCShifty:
this would be a really good move for them tbh
How Joyce Muthoni Njeru won the 16 km Canfranc-Canfranc double
this would be a really good move for them tbh
— Shifty🪬 (@CFCShifty) September 15, 2023