Dwight Howard is just not mincing phrases about his dissatisfaction together with his present group in Taiwan. The former NBA star, who joined the Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 League final 12 months, mentioned he was supplied a contract that might minimize his pay by a staggering 65% for the upcoming season.
Howard, who received a title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and performed within the NBA from 2004 to 2022, informed TVBS News that he felt “very disrespected” and “very disappointed” by the group’s proposal.
“I was offered a contract which was 65% less than what they gave me the first time I came to Taiwan,” Howard mentioned. “And I felt that was very disrespectful. I felt like I brought value to the team… I was very disappointed, I felt like I deserved more. Everything that I did was to represent the Leopards at their best.”
With eight All-Star choices and three Defensive Player of the Year awards beneath his belt, Howard was a drive to be reckoned with in his season with the Leopards. He put up spectacular numbers of 23.2 factors, 16.2 boards, and 5.0 dimes per sport whereas taking part in 33.5 minutes on common.
He additionally had some spectacular performances, comparable to scoring 38 factors and grabbing 25 rebounds in his debut sport. However, he missed 10 video games as a consequence of damage and his group completed final within the six-team league with a dismal 6-24 document.
Dwight Howard eyes NBA return, desires to hitch Sacramento Kings
Despite being supplied a decrease wage by the Leopards, Dwight Howard is just not prepared to surrender on his basketball profession. The former NBA star, who performed in Taiwan final season, mentioned he’s open to returning to the league if he will get an opportunity.
The Leopards’ CEO, Chang Chien-Wei, defined that the wage minimize was a part of a brand new system that rewards gamers primarily based on their efficiency and contribution to the group’s success. He mentioned that Howard might nonetheless make more cash than he did final 12 months if he performed effectively and led the group to victory.
Howard earned greater than $1.0 million in Taiwan, based on cna.com.tw. But he has his eyes on an even bigger prize: an NBA championship. He informed Mark Haynes from The Sacramento Observer that he would love to hitch the Sacramento Kings, his most well-liked vacation spot.
“I’m not retired from the NBA just yet,” the 37-year-old mentioned. “I’d love to help the Sacramento Kings contend for a title. Even though I believe their team is pretty much set.”
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