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When the NBA underwent sudden and unannounced transformations, resulting in fundamental changes to the game, Dwight Howard displayed an unparalleled sense of timing.
He jumped straight from high school to the NBA in 2004, just before the league eliminated that pathway.
Entering as a powerful post player and key part of the offensive strategy, he arrived at a time when such players were becoming an endangered species, as emphasis shifted toward a more spaced floor enhanced by the three-point shot.
Indeed, this is all accurate.
However, most importantly, the reason for his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this Saturday is his ability to seize opportunities before they vanished. Unlike some overhyped prospects, Howard proved himself as a dynamic force, particularly on defense, setting himself apart from his contemporaries.
With eight All-NBA selections, three Kia Defensive Player of the Year awards, five rebounding titles, and two blocked-shot championships—all by the age of 28—his accomplishments speak volumes.
He embraced the persona of Superman, especially in the early chapters of his career.
A few remarks about this superhero identity: Howard famously donned the costume and the “S” at the 2008 dunk contest, which he won, making him one of the rare centers to achieve such a feat. This moment encapsulated, both positively and negatively, the essence of his character.
Howard radiated a carefree joy, often displaying an endearing goofiness, and consistently sought enjoyment in every situation. Some critics, both within and beyond the league, suggested he didn’t take the game seriously enough.
In reality, Howard was less concerned with his own seriousness. He recognized he was living a dream and refused to let the fantasy life of a millionaire athlete consume him.
Interestingly, much of his time was spent in the heart of whimsy and animated characters. While Disney World featured grand attractions, none compared to the basketball renaissance Howard orchestrated in Orlando following Shaquille O’Neal’s departure.
He led the Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009, and during the surrounding seasons, he arguably stood as the most dominant big man in the sport, especially with O’Neal long out of his prime. Between 2007 and 2010, he averaged 19.8 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. Remarkably, he missed merely four games in his first six seasons.
His career eventually took him on a winding journey across multiple teams, marked by setbacks, injuries, brief resurgences, and ultimately, a championship with the Lakers in 2020. This narrative encompasses two distinct Dwight Howards across 18 years: one who thrived during the decline of traditional low-post big men, and another who adapted to remain relevant in an evolving game.
He entered the league as a prodigy at just 18, standing 6-foot-10, equipped with broad shoulders strong enough to fend off defenders and support a team, particularly the struggling Magic. Orlando had just endured a dismal 21-win season, migrating far from the excitement of the Shaq-Penny Hardaway era.
In his early days, Howard was raw, especially on the offensive end, yet he was reliable. As a rookie, he established records as the youngest player to average 10 rebounds and a double-double for the season, also becoming the only player to start all 82 games after going straight to the league from high school.
Initially a power forward, Howard bulked up and transitioned to center during his sophomore season. Though he may have been undersized for center matchups, his strength allowed him to compete effectively against larger opponents, and his speed set him apart.
This agility often made him nearly unstoppable. He excelled at chasing down rebounds, outrunning defenders for dunks and layups, maneuvering for lob passes and other easy baskets, and swiftly reacting on defense for crucial blocks.
While his offensive game took longer to develop, Howard’s failure to broaden his shooting range would later prove detrimental. Nonetheless, he could consistently shine in playoff scenarios, exemplified by his memorable 40-point, 14-rebound performance in Game 6 of the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals against Cleveland, a pivotal moment that secured Orlando’s spot in the Finals.
Unfortunately, the Magic fell short against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers in that series and never returned to the championship stage with Howard. By 2012, conflicts between Howard and the franchise surfaced, leading to a gradual separation.
Compounding matters, Howard dealt with a back injury that required surgery that summer. The injury plagued him the following season with the Lakers, where tensions with Bryant contributed to a disappointing campaign. The Lakers, once favorites for the title, were swept in the first round by the Spurs, with Howard being ejected early during Game 4.
Thus, began Howard’s quest for fulfillment and a suitable fit. His stint with the Lakers was fleeting, as he inched toward the Houston Rockets to team up with James Harden. However, a knee injury hampered his performance, and he struggled to find chemistry with Harden.
Next, he returned to his home city in Atlanta, where high hopes quickly faded. After just one season, he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in a low-profile move.
The following two years were peculiar. Technically, Howard played for four teams but was cut by the Nets and Grizzlies before seeing action. He participated in only nine games with the Wizards due to ongoing back issues. At this point, the league favored big men with shooting abilities, placing Howard on the brink of obsolescence as he grappled with age and injuries.
Yet, Howard found unexpected contentment in an unlikely setting. The Lakers, seeking depth beyond Anthony Davis, gave him another chance in Los Angeles. Although his role transformed drastically, with reduced minutes and fewer touches, he embraced the opportunity to finish his career on a high note.
And he did just that. Coming off the bench in the 2019-20 season, he played 69 games, averaging an impressive 7.3 rebounds in just 19 minutes per game. Remarkably, he developed synergy with Davis and LeBron James, creating a harmonious dynamic during that memorable season.
To summarize, this was a Hall of Fame-worthy career, and Howard’s performance alone during his eight seasons in Orlando could make a compelling case for his legacy.
Interestingly, Howard delivered an exceptionally accurate imitation of Charles Barkley.
What stands out is that Howard was omitted from the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team, a point of contention for him, and rightly so. With three Kia Defensive Player of the Year awards and two Finals appearances, his qualifications for inclusion seemed undeniable.
Without a doubt, he ranked among the elite at his position and in his role during his era. His double-doubles, rebounding titles, significant impact in the paint, and game-altering defensive contributions place him in a distinguished category.
In hindsight, it may be argued that Howard would have been better off remaining in Orlando rather than enduring his tumultuous season with the Lakers and Bryant. Yet, his desire for a championship and belief that his chances were greater in Los Angeles than in Orlando propelled his decision.
As it happened, that instinct was correct—just several years later, when he returned as a supportive player in his second stint with the Lakers.
Here’s what others have said about Howard:
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for over 25 years. You can email him here, find his archive here, and follow him on Twitter.
The views expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
