Dwight Howard would love nothing more than to play another season in the NBA. but no team has called him, and now he has been forced to take his talents elsewhere.
The former Lakers center signed a deal with a Taiwanese professional team, the Taoyuan Leopards, he announced Monday. Howard, who has played 18 NBA seasons and made eight All-Star teams, played last season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
He had a disappointing year for them as he averaged just 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in 60 appearances. On top of that, the team was a minus-5.7 net rating with him on the court that improved to minus-1.9 when he sat on the bench, per NBA.com.
Aside from Howard, the team will also feature former NBA players in Deyonta Davis, who went No. 31 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, as well as Troy Williams, who spent time with the Grizzlies, Knicks, Rockets and Kings.
The Leopards are in just their second year in existence. Last season, they finished the year 8-22. They are now hoping to make a big leap with Howard on the team.
Howard immediately becomes the most recognizable name in the entire Taiwanese league.
