Dwight Howard, a prominent figure in the landscape of professional basketball, was recently honored as a first-ballot inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Howard owns the court with an oversized charisma. His extraordinary career is a captivating story of success, innovation and perseverance. He earned selection to the league’s 75th Anniversary Team, cementing his status as one of the most impactful players in the game’s history.
Howard’s career arc is more remarkable for its shakiness. Over the last six seasons of his career, he changed teams multiple times, demonstrating both adaptability and the challenges that come with evolving roles in the NBA. He made a name for himself in the Southeast Division, where he was able to display his avoidable, elite craftiness and ball handling. Even with the fierce competition, his talent stood out.
His rejoining the Los Angeles Lakers began a stellar period for his career and his legacy. In tandem with JaVale McGee, Howard anchored a better-than-expected center by committee, finishing third in the league in overall center production. This partnership didn’t just revive Howard’s career, but it allowed the Lakers to ride this dynamic duo to an additional championship.
From 2005-06 to 2010-11, nobody ruled the league like Howard, who led the NBA in dunks each of those six years. His athleticism and kinetic playmaking ability enthralled fans and analysts across the country. Despite his early accolades, including eight All-Star selections and eight All-NBA honors, Howard’s career took a turn as he entered his 30s. He was a former league MVP and the most in demand center at the time. Instead, he’s become an NBA vagabond, floated from team to team as he tries to find a long-term fit.
Howard’s last All-Star appearance came at age 28. This was in stark contrast to his first five years, during which he continually displayed his remarkable skill. His trajectory differed greatly from contemporaries like Robert Parish, whose career arc continued consistently upward into the twilight of their careers. Just like that, Howard’s prime was over, leaving people to wonder how someone could fall off so fast.
Regardless of all the peaks and valleys of his professional career, Howard’s virtues proved foundational in developing the archetype that continues to dominate basketball tactics today. His one-of-a-kind playing style allowed the Orlando Magic to develop a style of play that would later spread like wildfire across the league. Howard is known for his amazing durability. In his first seven seasons, he went 82 games five times and never had a season under 78 games. This incredible schedule speaks to his dedication to the sport and his physical toughness.
Defensively, Howard’s prowess is undeniable. He joins another truly elite company—the few players that have won at least three Defensive Player of the Year trophies. His feat is simply incredible as he’s the only player ever to win this award three consecutive seasons. It was his defensive talents that truly crowned him as one of the scariest centers to ever roam an NBA court.
Howard couldn’t have scripted a better ending to his career, as he reached several notable statistical achievements. He finished with more points than both Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace combined, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest centers to ever play the game. His achievements testify to not just his scoring prowess but his influence on both sides of the floor.
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