Dwight Howard
Superman soared in Orlando, leading the Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals.
Dwight David Howard II (born December 8, 1985) is an American professional basketball player. Nicknamed "Superman" for his athletic prowess, he is an NBA champion, eight-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA Team honoree, five-time All-Defensive Team member, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. He was elected twice to the Basketball Hall of Fame, as an individual player and as a member of the Redeem Team. Howard is regarded as one of the best players of his generation and one of the greatest defensive players of all time.
- Role
- Center
- Draft Year
- 2004 (1st Round, 3rd Overall)
- Tenure
- 2004–2012
- All-NBA Selections
- 5-time All-NBA First Team (during Magic years)
- Defensive Honors
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year (3 times with Orlando)
- Jersey Number
- 12
Lore & Background
Howard, who played the center position, spent his high school career at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. He chose to forgo college, entered the 2004 NBA draft, and was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic. Howard set numerous franchise and league records with the Magic and led the team to the 2009 NBA Finals. In 2012, after eight seasons with Orlando, Howard was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he spent three separate one-year stints and won an NBA championship in 2020. He has also played for the Houston Rockets, the Atlanta Hawks, the Charlotte Hornets, the Washington Wizards, and the Philadelphia 76ers. After the 2021–22 NBA season, Howard moved overseas and signed with the Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 League. In his lone season with the team, he was named a T1 All-Star.
In Their Own Story
The arena lights hummed against the hardwood as Dwight Howard crouched low, eyes locked on the inbound pass. The crowd at TD Waterhouse Center held its breath, a sea of purple waiting for the explosion. He launched himself upward, defying gravity with a force that seemed to shake the rafters, snatching the ball from the air before it could even reach his opponent's hands. With a thunderous slam that echoed off the walls, he landed and pointed skyward, the 'Superman' logo seemingly burning into the minds of every fan in attendance.
Reader's Guide
Dwight Howard was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2004 NBA draft. He played for the Magic from 2004 to 2012, leading them to the 2009 NBA Finals. He won three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards (2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11). He was named to the All-NBA First Team in 2008 and to the All-NBA Third Team in 2007. He won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2008. He was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012.
Did You Know?
- Dwight Howard was the first player in NBA history directly out of high school to start all 82 games during his rookie season.
- He became the youngest player in NBA history to average a double double in the regular season.
- Howard was the first player in league history to win Defensive Player of the Year honors for three consecutive seasons.
- He was honored as one of the 35 greatest McDonald's All-Americans on January 31, 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dwight Howard?
Dwight Howard was a dominant center drafted third overall by Orlando in 2004 who quickly became the franchise's most impactful two-way player. Known as 'Superman,' he anchored the team during its rise from lottery status to legitimate championship contenders.
What were Dwight Howard's primary strengths on the court?
He served as an elite defensive anchor, earning NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors three times while playing for Orlando. Offensively, his unmatched athleticism allowed him to dominate the paint and secure rebounds with ease.
How many All-NBA selections did Howard earn during his time in Orlando?
During his tenure from 2004 to 2012, Howard was named to the All-NBA First Team five times. These accolades highlighted his status as one of the league's best players throughout the mid-to-late 2000s.
Why is Dwight Howard considered a legend for the Magic?
Howard defined an entire era by transforming Orlando into a top-tier team capable of competing with Western Conference powers. His jersey number 12 remains synonymous with the franchise's most competitive and exciting period.
When did Dwight Howard's time with the Orlando Magic end?
His historic run in Orlando concluded after the 2011-2012 season, ending a tenure that spanned eight seasons. He left behind a legacy as the team's all-time leading rebounder and defensive cornerstone.
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