Dwight Howard admits he ‘wants to play in Taiwan until he can’t walk,’ but says family sacrifice is

　　Former NBA superstar Dwight Howard returned to Xinzhuang Gymnasium on the 13th to take part in the “Kings Heart Classic” charity game, reliving the days of the “Howard Craze” while also revealing his future basketball plans for the first time. After announcing his retirement in March, Howard recently confirmed he would join Black Fortress Tbilisi of the Georgian Super League. Speaking to reporters on the day, Howard confirmed that the contract only calls for him to play two games, and that this will likely be the last time he suits up for an official 5-on-5 contest. He also became emotional as he explained that in order to be present for his children’s growth, he must make a sacrifice as a father.

　　Now 40 years old, Howard played 18 seasons in the NBA, earning eight All-Star selections, eight All-NBA Team honors, and three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame last year. After joining the T1 League’s Taoyuan Leopards in the 2022-23 season and posting dominant averages of 23.2 points, 16.2 rebounds and 5 assists per game, he has since played in Dubai, the Asian Tournament (TAT) and the BIG3 league.

　　Howard, who was born in Atlanta, Georgia, joked that his upcoming trip to play in Georgia (the country) is a strange coincidence, but stressed that it is not a full-season deal. “I’ll probably only play two games, mainly to help the team. This might be one of the last times I put on a jersey for real 5-on-5 basketball, so I especially want to share these moments with the best fans. That’s why I came to Taiwan for this charity game, and it will be the same in Georgia – purely to spread love,” he said.

　　When asked by Taiwanese fans whether he might return to play in Taiwan long-term, Howard paused and sighed with a laugh, saying he truly loves it here, but realistically his focus must shift back to his family.

　　“I really enjoy playing here, but I’m getting older. My kids are entering high school or about to graduate high school. I want to watch them grow, succeed, and push them from behind to achieve their dreams,” Howard said sincerely. “I’ve already had a long and glorious basketball career. This is the sacrifice a parent has to make – giving up what you love for your children. I really want to play in Taiwan until I can’t walk anymore, but if I keep playing, I won’t be able to spend time with them and help them reach where they want to go.”

　　Howard admitted that a long-term playing stint in Taiwan is no longer in his plans, but he gave a warm promise: if invited by a Taiwanese team or organizer in the future, he would be very happy to return to this island in the form of exhibition or charity games and continue to perform for his Taiwanese fans who love him.