June 2nd 2024.
In a surprising move, NBA star Dwight Howard announced on May 30 that he has become a part owner of a Taiwanese basketball league and one of its teams. According to Howard, this decision was inspired by his first professional game in Taiwan back in 2023.
Despite being a dominant force on the court, Howard found himself without any offers from teams in the US after the 2020-2021 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. As reported by Bleacher Report, the athlete has since elected to play overseas, and his latest venture as an owner and player for the Taiwan Mustangs has been met with excitement and anticipation.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Howard wrote, "Last year after the first game I played in Taiwan I looked over at my teammate, Mu Real, and said, 'Man, I'm going to start my OWN league one day where former NBA players, top college recruits and elite international players can still get a stage to showcase how great they are.' He looked at me like I was crazy, but now that day has finally come!"
The 2023 season saw Howard putting up impressive numbers with the Taoyuan Leopards, averaging 23 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists. And in his debut in 2022, he wowed the crowd with a stat line that seemed straight out of a video game: 38 points, 25 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 blocks.
But Howard's ambitions go beyond just playing for the Mustangs. He plans to use his platform as an owner to recruit other ex-NBA players and top talent for his team and the league as a whole. In a tweet, he wrote, "We gone make my league great like the NBA ! I'm recruiting as we speak, first stop The Asian Tournament! With the Taiwan Mustangs."
This news has caused quite a stir, as Howard is reportedly the first basketball player in Taiwan to have an ownership stake in a league he plays in. As reported by Fadeaway World, the Mustangs will also be participating in the Asian Tournament, a continental tournament featuring teams from various Asian countries.
And Howard is wasting no time in his recruitment efforts. He recently posted an open call on social media, inviting other NBA players to join his "World Smile Tour". He wrote, "Only this time we are doing it even BIGGER. I am extremely blessed to have the ability to spread love, positivity, and make people smile all around the world! Being an owner of a league and using my influence to make the world happier through the universal language of the smile is something I dreamed of..."
In addition to recruiting players, Howard hopes to use his position to spread joy and positivity around the world. He encourages fans to comment their country's flag and tag the players they would like to see join the league. Howard's message to them? "C'MON!" And with the NBA playoffs in full swing, he's determined to bring more players on board for his "World Smile Tour".
In a world where sports can sometimes be overshadowed by controversy and drama, Howard's announcement is a refreshing reminder of the power of spreading love and positivity through the game. And with his passion and determination, there's no doubt that Howard will make his league just as great as the NBA.
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