Dwight Howard is showing no signs of slowing down as he continues to recruit former NBA teammates and other notable players to join his Taiwan Mustangs team, which is set to compete in the Asian Tournament. In his latest move, Howard has extended an invitation to Gilbert Arenas, urging him to step away from his popular podcast and return to the court. This comes as Howard has already secured the services of DeMarcus Cousins and Quinn Cook for the Mustangs.
In a post on his official X account, Howard, a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, shared an image of Arenas from his time with the Shanghai Sharks, where Arenas played before retiring in 2013. Howard’s message to Arenas was clear and enthusiastic, calling for him to join the team and bring along his former Washington Wizards teammates, Nick Young and Andray Blatche.
“Aye Gil C’MON to the league & play against me, Boogie & Quinn, 👀 matter fact you, Swaggy P, & Andray,” Howard wrote.
Aye Gil C’MON to the league & play against me boogie & Quinn 👀 matter fact you , Swaggy P, & Andray 🤷🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/GtFTtAvnPm
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) June 22, 2024
Since going unsigned in the summer of 2022, Dwight Howard has embarked on a global basketball journey. He has played for the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan’s T1 League and Strong Group Athletics in the Philippines. He also signed with the Mets de Guaynabo of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional in Puerto Rico, although he never suited up for them.
According to The Taipei Times, Howard is now a part-owner of the Taiwan Mustangs and a shareholder in The Asian Tournament, which will begin play next month. The tournament’s Taipei round is scheduled from July 26 to August 1. This involvement reflects Howard’s deepening ties with the international basketball community and his ongoing efforts to bring together talented players from around the world.
DeMarcus Cousins, another former NBA star, has joined the Taiwan Mustangs. Cousins last played in the NBA for the Denver Nuggets in 2022 and has since been playing overseas. Quinn Cook, who last appeared in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021, has also been recruited by Howard. Cook has had stints in Russia, China, Puerto Rico, and the NBA G League.
Before the Taiwan Mustangs begin the next leg of the Asian Tournament, they are scheduled to have a tune-up game against the Philippines National Basketball Team, known as the Gilas Pilipinas. This game is set for Monday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, Metro Manila, and will be open to the public. However, it remains unclear whether Howard, Cousins, and Cook will be able to participate due to scheduling and logistical challenges.
Mustangs head coach Chris Gavina spoke to Spin.ph about the uncertainty surrounding the participation of the three former NBA players. “Quinn Cook and Cousins are eager to play, but we’re trying our best in such a short time to make it happen. But as I told coach Richard (Del Rosario, PH team manager) and coach Jong (Uichico), I couldn’t promise them Dwight, Cook, and Cousins would be able to show up,” Gavina said.
Dwight Howard’s persistent efforts to recruit former NBA stars to his Taiwan Mustangs team demonstrate his commitment to elevating the profile of the Asian Tournament and international basketball. His approach is not just about adding talent to his team but also about creating a sense of camaraderie and competition that resonates with basketball fans worldwide.
Howard’s ability to attract players like DeMarcus Cousins and Quinn Cook highlights the growing appeal of international basketball leagues as viable alternatives for former NBA players seeking new opportunities. The potential addition of Gilbert Arenas, along with Nick Young and Andray Blatche, would further enhance the tournament’s appeal and competitive level.
The scheduled tune-up game against Gilas Pilipinas underscores the Mustangs’ preparation and the importance of building team chemistry before the tournament. While logistical challenges may prevent some players from participating, the game itself represents an exciting opportunity for fans to witness high-level basketball and for the Mustangs to gauge their readiness.
Howard’s global basketball journey, from Taiwan to the Philippines and potentially to Puerto Rico, reflects a broader trend of athletes seeking diverse and enriching experiences beyond the NBA. This trend not only benefits the players but also enriches the global basketball community, fostering a greater exchange of talent and culture.
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