Future Hall Of Famer And Former Laker Hoping For NBA Return
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When he isn't recruiting current NBA stars to join him in the Taiwanese T1 League, future Hall of Fame center Dwight Howard is apparently thinking about a return to the league before hanging it up, according to a recent conversation he had with FanDuel's "Run It Back" podcast, featuring Michelle Beadle, Shams Charania, Eddie Gonzalez and Chandler Parsons.
"I would love to finish off my career with an NBA team, hopefully with an NBA championship," Howard revealed.
On the Lakers' 2020 championship team, Howard was a key role player on both sides of the ball, scoring 5.8 points and grabbing 4.6 boards on average. In the 2021-22 season, his most recent in the NBA, he averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds on 16.2 minutes per game.
After no teams signed Howard in the 2022 offseason, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year has enjoyed his time in Taiwan.
"Since I came to Taiwan, I've gained a whole new appreciation of this country. This place makes me feel so much love," Howard said in a Facebook post in May.
Howard is averaging 23.2 points, 16.2 rebounds and 5 assists in his 20 games with the Taoyuan Leopards.
"It’s crazy how things play out because 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," Howard said in an Instagram post announcing his decision.
A return to the NBA could be a stretch for the 37-year-old, although Howard claimed that, in his prime, he could best two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
"I'm dominating every play with a smile on my face," Howard said, with a smile on his face.
The main question that remains for Howard will be that of interest. Will there be an NBA team looking to sign the future Hall of Famer? If Howard keeps dominating in Taiwan, maybe there will be a chance.
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