Dwight Howard Buries NBA Legacy As Failed Career Threatens Newfound Fame

Do you know Dwight Howard from the NBA or Dancing With the Stars? After an illustrious career in the league, DH12 began playing in Taiwan while looking for his chance to make a comeback. So were the fans, who eagerly waited for the former Lakers star to return. And he indeed made a comeback, though it’s not in the NBA. Now, a new name and fame have gotten attached to him, and the 8x NBA All-Star is more than happy about it.

While stepping into the DWTS, the NBA player was new to it all. He was new to dancing despite confessing how it was a long time coming for the dream, exactly three years. But now that he has gotten the hang of it, Howard has become a fan even if he couldn’t win it. Moreover, he even claims that it feels good to be known for DWTS and hence is seemingly over his NBA career despite wanting to be a part of it.

Speaking on the Lightweights Podcast, he said, “I was new into the game. I was doing the dancing you know but then now it’s all in my head I can’t get rid of it I just want to dance everywhere. I be in public, (kids call him) ‘Hey you was on Dancing with the Stars?’ I’m over here doing dance. I’m glad that feels so much good too that feels better to hear like ‘Oh you went to Dancing with the Stars’ and that’s where kids know me from.” Daniella Karagach who was also present for the podcast agreed with him.

Looking back at Howard’s career, it has been more than two years since Howard showed his talent in the NBA. That is a long enough time. He played with the Lakers for the 2021-22 season. Averaging 6.2 points in 60 games, D12 was great at rebounding and defense for the Lakers. Following this, the 3x NBA Defensive Player of the Year surprisingly didn’t get picked by any team in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

In 2022, he made the decision to join the Taiwanese T1 League and began playing for the Taoyuan Leopards. However, during all these days, the basketball player continued expressing his wish on social media to join the league. The former Los Angeles Lakers star even said that he was depressed about not being able to play in the NBA.

Dwight Howard battled with “depressed” state 

The former Orlando Magic star opened up about his feelings during his appearance on Above The Rim with DH12. Howard explained that he was upset about the situation. “I was depressed like hell. I know I’m supposed to be playing in the NBA. I know I do. But I can’t sit up there and let this stop me from being who I am,” Howard shared.

But he revealed that his decision to sign with the Taoyuan Leopards helped shift his mindset. He expressed happiness at being able to continue playing as a pro.

“Coming over here, these people gave me wings. I never take these people for granted because they gave me the opportunity to come just hoop. And the people here showed me so much love,” he shared.

Playing in the Taiwanese T1 League proved to be highly rewarding for the basketball star. In his debut season, Howard earned the title of T1 League Most Valuable Import, made an All-Star appearance, and won the All-Star Game MVP Award.

Furthermore, he was selected for the T1 League All-Defensive First Team and the All-T1 League First Team. His current experience with Dancing with the Stars will likely enhance his performance as he prepares to play for the Taiwan Mustangs in the 2024-25 season.