Following Team USA’s disappointing showing at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, basketball fans are hopeful more of the NBA’s premier talent will volunteer their services to play for the U.S. at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
While most fans likely hadn’t considered Dwight Howard as a likely candidate for the Olympic squad, the 37-year-old threw his own hat in the ring, and even made a hilarious threat about what he’d do if not selected to the team.
After seeing a Team USA graphic featuring LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Devin Booker, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum, and Damian Lillard, Howard posted a video to Instagram suggesting he could be a strong fit on the team.
“I like what I see, but don’t leave ya boy out… if ya leave me out I’m playing with Taiwan and dropping 85!” wrote Howard in his caption.
Howard has not played in the NBA since the 2021-22 season, when he featured in 60 games for the Lakers. Across an 18-year career in the league, Howard averaged 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per contest. He made eight All-Star teams and was an eight-time All-NBA selectee.
Most recently, Howard has been playing professionally in Taiwan.