Dwight Howard’s relentless recruitment drive is finally reaping rewards. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the former NBA All-Star has managed to bring two of his old Los Angeles Lakers teammates to Taiwan. Ex-Lakers reunite as DeMarcus Cousins and Quinn Cook have signed on to play with Howard’s team, the Taiwan Mustangs, in the upcoming Asian Tournament in July.
Dwight Howard’s Taiwan Triumph: Ex-Lakers Reunite for Asian Glory
Howard, Cousins, and Cook were all part of the Lakers’ triumphant 2020 NBA championship squad. However, Cousins, despite being on the roster, missed the season due to a torn ACL. Now, fate has brought them together again, but this time on the other side of the globe with the Mustangs, a team in which Howard holds a stake.
Cousins, 33, last appeared in the NBA during the 2022-23 season. He has been making waves in Taiwan with the Taiwan Beer Leopards of the T1 League. His performance there was nothing short of spectacular, leading his team to a league championship and earning Finals MVP honors.
Cook, 31, has been a globetrotter since his last NBA stint in 2020-21, playing for teams in Russia, China, and Puerto Rico. Now, he joins Howard and Cousins in this unexpected yet thrilling reunion.
Howard, 38, has been a Taiwanese fixture since 2022, first with the Leopards before Cousins arrived and now with the Mustangs. Known for his comedic attempts to lure NBA stars to Taiwan, Howard’s persistence has finally paid off. It’s a classic case of “If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
This news isn’t just a nostalgic reunion; it’s a significant boost for Taiwanese basketball. With three former NBA players now on the same team, the Mustangs are poised to draw considerable attention. Howard’s strategy seems to be working, and it will be fascinating to see how this trio performs in the Asian Tournament.
Cousins and Cook bring a wealth of experience and talent, adding depth to a team already energized by Howard’s larger-than-life presence. As the saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together,” and these three are sure to make waves.
This development highlights a broader trend of former NBA stars exploring opportunities abroad. With the Mustangs now having a formidable roster, fans in Taiwan are in for a treat. It’s a bold move, and it might just shake up the basketball scene in Asia.
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