2 Former Houston Rockets stars join forces in overseas tournament

Playing in the NBA is a dream come true. Starring in the NBA is - well, an even bigger dream come true. NBA stars secure generational wealth and live out their childhood fantasy in the process.

What about life after the NBA? Adjusting to retirement after such an incredible experience must be difficult. If you've got an opportunity to continue playing basketball elsewhere, you're likely to take it.

We've seen former Houston Rockets pursue the game outside of the NBA before. Right now, two former stars of the team are preparing to participate in an international tournament.

Former Houston Rockets participating in the Asian tournament

If you didn't know that Dwight Howard was playing basketball in Taiwan, we're not sure what rock you've been living under.

By all appearances. the former Rockets big man is having the time of his life. Now, another former Rockets big will be joining him. Demarcus Cousins is going to be joining Howard on the Taiwan Mustangs in the Asian tournament.

That ought to give the Mustangs quite an edge - even both Howard and Cousins are past their respective primes. Granted, Cousins' prime never came in Houston. Describing him as a former Rockets star is generous.

On the other hand, his status as a former NBA star is undeniable. In 2016-17, Cousins averaged 27.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game in a season split between the Kings and the Pelicans. His decline was swift, but make no mistake - at one time, Cousins was arguably the best offensive center in the NBA.

By contrast, Howard was an unequivocal star in Houston. In 2013-14, Howard averaged 18.3 points and 12.2 rebounds per game for the Rockets. The next year, he'd co-lead the team to the Western Conference Finals with James Harden.

Neither man will ever reach those heights again, but we're glad they've found a place to do what they love.