Dwight Howard headlines New Taipei Kings charity event

Taipei, Sept. 13 (CNA) Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dwight Howard returned to Taiwan on Sunday to attend a charity event organized by the New Taipei Kings and The Asian Tournament (TAT).

Speaking with reporters at the opening of the event at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei, Howard said he was "always glad" to return to Taiwan, calling it "literally one of my favorite places in the world."

"Every time I come, I get this overwhelming sense of joy and peace," he said, adding that friends he has made in Taiwan have become like family.

Howard also said he missed Taiwan's food and had been eating local favorites including chicken tail and General Tso's chicken. As he arrived at his hotel at around 1 a.m. Sunday, he said he had specifically asked event organizers to prepare chicken tail for him so he could eat it upon arrival.

Asked whether he would officially return to play professionally in Taiwan, Howard said he had enjoyed his time in Taiwan but had shifted his focus to his family and wanted to be there for his children as they grow.

However, he said he had taken on a role promoting role for Taiwan, encouraging players who ask about playing in Taiwan to come and experience the country.

Howard said he hoped the charity event would allow him to express his love for basketball while contributing to the development of Taiwan's professional basketball leagues and encouraging more top players to come to Taiwan.

According to the Kings in a previous press release, Howard will lead a TAT All-Star team in the "Kings Heart Classic" after serving as a guest commentator for the Kings' friendly match against the Macau Black Knights.

A fan meet-and-greet with Howard will also be held between the two games.

Part of the proceeds from the event will be donated to PACK Taiwan, an animal welfare organization, to improve shelter care and support the adoption of stray dogs, the Kings said.

Howard became one of Taiwan's most prominent foreign athletes after joining the Taoyuan Leopards in the now-defunct T1 League for the 2022-23 season, following an 18-season NBA career.

He returned to Taiwan in July 2024 to play for the Taiwan Mustangs in the TAT, in which he said he had an ownership stake.

In September 2025, Howard gave Taiwan a special mention during his induction speech into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.