Dwight Howard 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year Candidate
The defensive titan who anchored Toronto's paint during a historic playoff run.
During the 2016-17 NBA season, Dwight Howard joined the Toronto Raptors as a mid-season acquisition, bringing with him an elite reputation for interior defense. While he did not win the award that year, his arrival was heavily scrutinized through the lens of his status as a three-time prior Defensive Player of the Year winner.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Center; Defensive Anchor
- Team
- Toronto Raptors
- Season
- 2016-17
- Jersey number
- 12
- Status
- Former Raptor
Lore & Background
Though he played only half the regular season, Howard's impact was felt deeply during the postseason. He provided size and mobility in the frontcourt, helping Toronto navigate past the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. His experience as a former Defensive Player of the Year added credibility to the team's defensive identity.
Reader's Guide
His primary value was rim protection and rebounding in the paint during a high-stakes playoff push. He contributed to a team defense that reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since the franchise's early years. Howard wore jersey number 12 throughout his tenure, becoming a recognizable figure in the North.
More in Honours & Records
Elsewhere in Toronto Raptors
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