NBA all-star Dwight Howard has already begun training with his new team, the Taoyuan Leopards. Howard landed at Taoyuan airport late Thursday night to great fanfare.
Taiwan’s T1 League Taoyuan Leopards have reportedly signed the 208 cm tall 36 year-old basketball superstar for over US$200,000 per month. That’s a record breaking salary for Taiwan. The league confirmed the amount on Monday, saying that Howard’s presence will boost the level of competition and public interest. The Taoyuan Leopards will hold a press conference tomorrow announcing further details.
Su I-chieh (蘇翊傑), the Leopards’ general manager, said that Howard is easy-going and relaxed off-court, but he is very serious when training and playing. He said that Howard will try his best to impart his experience on the court. Su also adds that Howard had contacted him while he was still on the flight, asking for a sports massage therapist and saying that he would attend this morning’s team training. He said jokingly that the effort level of the other players has increased 200% due to the pressure of Dwight Howard’s fame and work ethic.
To satisfy basketball fans’ curiosity, Su revealed that Howard dislikes hotels and hopes that the team will arrange a comfortable apartment.