Dwight Howard

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dwight Howard
Howard with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022
Mets de Guaynabo
PositionCenter
LeagueBSN
Personal information
Born (1985-12-08) December 8, 1985 (age 38)
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Listed weight265 lb (120 kg)
Career information
High schoolSouthwest Atlanta Christian Academy
(Atlanta, Georgia)
NBA draft2004: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Selected by the Orlando Magic
Playing career2004–present
Career history
20042012Orlando Magic
2012–2013Los Angeles Lakers
20132016Houston Rockets
2016–2017Atlanta Hawks
2017–2018Charlotte Hornets
2018–2019Washington Wizards
2019–2020Los Angeles Lakers
2020–2021Philadelphia 76ers
2021–2022Los Angeles Lakers
2022–2023Taoyuan Leopards
2024–presentMets de Guaynabo
Career highlights and awards
Stats Edit this at Wikidata at NBA.com
Stats Edit this at Wikidata at Basketball-Reference.com
Medals
Men's basketball
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 2008 Beijing Team competition
FIBA World Championship
Bronze medal – third place 2006 Japan Team competition
FIBA Americas Championship
Gold medal – first place 2007 Las Vegas Team competition

Dwight David Howard II (born December 8, 1985) is an American professional basketball player for the Mets de Guaynabo of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN). He began his career in the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he was 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.

Howard, who plays center, 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. He 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 over the course of his career, winning the NBA Finals in 2020. He has also played for the Houston Rockets, the Atlanta Hawks, the Charlotte Hornets, the Washington Wizards, and the Philadelphia 76ers.

After playing with the Lakers in 2021–22, Howard moved overseas and signed with the Taiwanese-based Leopards. In his first season with the team, he was named a T1 All-Star.

Early life

Howard was born in Atlanta, to Dwight Sr. and Sheryl Howard, a family with strong athletic connections. His father is a Georgia State Trooper and is the athletic director at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, a private academy with one of the country's best high school basketball programs; his mother played on the inaugural women's basketball team at Morris Brown College.[1] Howard's mother had seven miscarriages before he was born.[2] A devout Christian since his youth, Howard became serious about basketball around the age of nine.[3][4] Despite his large frame, Howard was quick and versatile enough to play the guard position.[4] He attended Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy and played mostly as power forward, averaging 16.6 points, 13.4 rebounds and 6.3 blocks per game in 129 appearances.[1][4] As a senior, Howard led his team to a 31–2 record and the 2004 state title,[4][5] while averaging 25 points, 18 rebounds, 8.1 blocks and 3.5 assists per game.[4] The same year, he was widely recognized as the best American high school basketball player, and received the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award, the Morgan Wootten High School Player of the Year Award, Gatorade National Player of the Year and the McDonald's National High School Player of the Year honor.[6] He was also co-MVP (with J. R. Smith) of the McDonald's All-American Game that year.[6] On January 31, 2012, Howard was honored as one of the 35 greatest McDonald's All-Americans.[7]

Professional career

Orlando Magic (2004–2012)

Early years (2004–2008)

Following his high school successes, Howard chose to forego college and declared for the 2004 NBA draft—a decision partly inspired by his idol Kevin Garnett who had done the same in 1995—where the Orlando Magic selected him first overall over UConn junior Emeka Okafor.[1][4] He took the number 12 for his jersey, in part because it was the reverse of Garnett's 21 when he played for Minnesota.[8] Howard joined a depleted Magic squad that had finished with only 21 victories the previous season; further, the club had just lost perennial NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady.[4] Howard, however, made an immediate impact. He finished his rookie season with an average of 12 points and 10 rebounds,[9] setting several NBA records in the process. He became the youngest player in NBA history to average a double double in the regular season.[6] He also became the youngest player in NBA history to average at least 10 rebounds in a season and youngest NBA player ever to record at least 20 rebounds in a game.[6] Howard's importance to the Magic was highlighted when he became the first player in NBA history directly out of high school to start all 82 games during his rookie season.[6] For his efforts, he was selected to play in the 2005 NBA Rookie Challenge, and was unanimously selected to the All-Rookie Team.[6] He also finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting.[10]

Howard reported to camp for his second NBA season having added 20 pounds of muscle during the off-season.[4] Orlando coach Brian Hill—responsible for grooming former Magic superstar Shaquille O'Neal—decided that Howard should be converted into a full-fledged center.[4] Hill identified two areas where Howard needed to improve: his post-up game and his defense. He exerted extra pressure on Howard, saying that the Magic would need him to emerge as a force in the middle before the team had a chance at the playoffs.[4] On November 15, 2005, in a home game against the Charlotte Bobcats, Howard recorded 21 points and 20 rebounds, becoming the youngest player ever to score 20 or more points and gather 20 or more rebounds in the same game.[11] He was selected to play on the Sophomore Team in the 2006 Rookie Challenge during the All-Star break.[1] Overall, he averaged 15.8 points and 12.5 rebounds per game,[9] ranking second in the NBA in rebounds per game, offensive rebounds, and double-doubles and sixth in field goal percentage.[1] Despite Howard's improvement, the Magic finished the season with a 36–46 record and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the second consecutive season since Howard's arrival.[12]

Howard and Jameer Nelson in 2008

In the 2006–07 season (and for the third consecutive season), Howard played in all 82 regular-season games.[9] On February 1, 2007, he received his first NBA All-Star selection as a reserve on the Eastern Conference squad for the 2007 NBA All-Star Game.[1] On February 9, he made a game-winning alley-oop off an inbound pass at the buzzer against the San Antonio Spurs.[13] Howard set a new career high with 35 points against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 14.[14] Under his leadership, the Magic qualified for the 2007 NBA Playoffs as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.[15] There, the Magic were swept by the Detroit Pistons in the first round.[16] For the season, Howard averaged 17.6 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, finishing first in the NBA in total rebounds, second in field goal percentage, and ninth in blocks. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team at the end of the 2006–07 campaign.[17]

Howard continued posting impressive numbers in the 2007–08 season and helped the Magic have their best season to date. Howard was named as a starter for the Eastern Conference All-Star team.[18][19] On February 16, 2008, he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest by receiving 78% of the fan's votes via text messaging or online voting; in that contest, he performed a series of innovative dunks said to have rejuvenated the contest, including donning a Superman cape for one of the dunks.[20] Howard led the Magic to their first division title in 12 years and to the third seed for the 2008 NBA Playoffs.[19] In their first round match-up against the Toronto Raptors, Howard's dominance (three 20-point/20-rebound games) helped Orlando to prevail in five games.[21] Howard's series total of 91 rebounds was also greater than the total rebounds collected by the entire Toronto frontcourt.[22] In the second round against the Pistons, the Magic lost in five games.[23] For the season, Howard was named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time,[19] and was also named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.[24]

Dominance and NBA Finals appearance (2008–2011)

Howard in 2008, boxing out JaVale McGee of the Washington Wizards

The 2008–09 season began well for Howard. Ten games into the season, the center was leading the league in blocks per game (4.2).[25] In December, Howard injured his left knee, which caused him to miss a game due to injury for the first time in his NBA career; previously, he had played in 351 consecutive games.[26] He garnered a record 3.1 million votes to earn the starting berth on the Eastern Conference team for the 2009 NBA All-Star Game.[27] Howard led Orlando to its second straight Southeast Division title[28] and to the third seed for the 2009 NBA Playoffs; the team finished the season with a 59–23 record.[29] In the first round of the playoffs against the 76ers, Howard recorded 24 points and 24 rebounds in Game 5 to give Orlando a 3–2 lead before the Magic closed out the series in six games. In the second round against the Boston Celtics, after the Magic blew a lead in Game 5 to fall behind 3–2 in the series, Howard publicly stated that he should have been given the ball more and questioned coach Stan Van Gundy's tactics. The Magic went on to defeat Boston to win the series and move on to the Eastern Conference Finals. There they, defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 4–2. Howard had a playoff career-high 40 points to go with his 14 rebounds in the deciding Game 6, leading Orlando to the NBA Finals for the first time in 14 years.[30] In the NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers took the first two home games, before a home win by the Magic brought the deficit to 2–1. In Game 4, despite Howard putting up 21 rebounds and a Finals record of 9 blocks in a game, the Magic lost in overtime.[31] The Lakers went on to clinch the series with a win in Game 5.[32] For the season, Howard became the youngest player ever to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.[8] He was also named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team,[33] and to the All-NBA First Team.[34]

Howard in 2010, contesting a shot by future teammate Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers

In the 2009–10 season, the Magic got off to a strong start, winning 17 of their first 21 games and setting a franchise record. On January 21, 2010, Howard was named as the starting center for the East in the 2010 NBA All-Star Game.[35] The Magic completed the regular season with 59 wins and their third consecutive division title. The Magic's playoff run resulted another Eastern Conference Finals appearance, where they lost in six games to the Celtics. Howard won the Defensive Player of the Year Award for the second straight year.[36] He became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in blocks and rebounds in the same season twice—and for two years in a row.[36]

In the 2010–11 season, Howard posted career highs in points and field goal percentage. He became the first player in league history to win Defensive Player of the Year honors for three consecutive seasons. Howard led the league in double-doubles and also averaged 14.1 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and a career-high 1.3 steals this season.[37] He led the Magic to 52 wins, as they finished as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. They went on to lose to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of 2011 NBA Playoffs.[38] He had a playoff career-high 46 points and 19 rebounds in Orlando's 103–93 loss to Atlanta in Game 1.[37] Howard led the NBA in technical fouls with 18 in the regular season, and received one-game suspensions after his 16th and 18th technicals.[39]

Final season in Orlando (2011–2012)

Due to a lockout, the 2011–12 regular season was shortened to 66 games. Not long after the lockout ended, Howard, who was eligible to become a free agent at the end of the season, demanded a trade to the New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers or Dallas Mavericks.[40] Howard stated that although his preference was to remain in Orlando, he did not feel the Magic organization was doing enough to build a championship contender.[41] He would later meet with Magic officials and agree to back off his trade demands, but stated that he also felt the team needed to make changes to the roster if they wanted to contend for a championship.[42]

Dwight Howard with the Magic in 2011

On January 12, 2012, Howard attempted an NBA regular season record 39 free throws against the Golden State Warriors. Howard entered the game making 42 percent of his free throws for the season and just below 60 percent for his career. The Warriors hacked Howard intentionally throughout the game, and he broke Wilt Chamberlain's regular-season record of 34 set in 1962. Howard made 21 of the 39 attempts, finishing with 45 points and 23 rebounds in the Magic's 117–109 victory.[43] On January 24, 2012, Howard became the Magic's all-time scoring leader.[44]

On March 15, 2012, on the day of the trading deadline for the 2011–12 NBA season, Howard waived his right to opt out of his contract at the end of the season and committed to stay with the Magic through the 2012–13 season. He had previously asked to be traded to the New Jersey Nets. Had he not signed the amendment, the Magic were prepared to trade him to avoid losing him as a free agent.[45] On April 5, Van Gundy said that he had been informed by management that Howard wanted him fired. During the interview, the center walked up and hugged his coach, unaware that Van Gundy had confirmed a report that Howard denied.[46][47] Van Gundy was let go after the season.[48]

On April 19, 2012, Howard's agent said that Howard would undergo surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back and would miss the rest of the 2011–12 season, as well as the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.[49] During the offseason, Howard again requested a trade to the Nets, who had relocated to Brooklyn. He intended to become a free agent at the end of the 2012–13 season if he was not traded to Brooklyn.[50][51]

Los Angeles Lakers (2012–2013)

Howard with the Lakers in 2013

On August 10, 2012, Howard was traded from Orlando to the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal that also involved the Philadelphia 76ers and the Denver Nuggets. Howard took six months off from basketball after his April back surgery, and only had the combined four weeks of training camp and preseason to prepare for the season.[52][53] Still working himself into shape, Howard paced himself throughout the season on both offense and defense.[53] On January 4, 2013, Howard injured his right shoulder in the second half of the Lakers' 107–102 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. At the midpoint of the season, the Lakers were a disappointing 17–24. Howard was averaging 17.1 points on 58.2% shooting, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks, but also 3.6 fouls a game with 3.2 turnovers while making only 50.4% of his free throws.[54]

Howard was upset that he was not getting the ball enough, and he felt that Kobe Bryant was shooting too much.[55] Moving forward, Howard said he needed to "bring it" and dominate in more ways than just scoring.[56] Howard missed games due to his recurring shoulder injury in January[57] and February.[58][59] In February, Bryant said that Howard "worries too much" and "doesn't want to let anyone down", urging him to play through the pain when Pau Gasol was sidelined with a torn plantar fascia.[60] Howard returned the next game after commenting that Bryant was "not a doctor, I'm not a doctor. That's his opinion."[61]

Howard with the Lakers in 2013

During the All-Star break, Howard adopted a healthier diet to get into better shape to anchor the Lakers' defense and run head coach Mike D'Antoni's preferred pick and rolls.[53][62][63] Still, on February 23, Howard said he was "not even close" to physically being where he wanted to be. Coach Mike D'Antoni attributed Howard's difficulty running the pick-and-roll—a play the coach had expected would be a staple for the team—with Steve Nash to Howard's lack of conditioning.[53][64] The Lakers were 8–2 after the All-Star break, passing Utah for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, and Howard averaged 15.5 points, 14.8 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks.[65] In his first game back in Orlando on March 12, Howard scored a season-high 39 points and had 16 rebounds in a 106–97 Lakers win. Booed throughout the game, he made 25 of 39 free throws, setting franchise records for free throws made and attempted while tying his own NBA record for attempts.[a] Howard made 16 of 20 free throws when he was fouled intentionally by the Magic.[66] With Howard anchoring the Lakers defense and his improved overall play,[67] the Lakers made the playoffs, but were swept in the opening round by San Antonio. Howard was ejected in Game 4 with over nine minutes left in the third quarter.[68][69]

Howard finished the season with his lowest scoring average since his second year in the NBA, but he was the league leader in rebounding and ranked second in field goal percentage. Although he was recovering from his back surgery, he only missed six games all season—all due to his torn labrum.[70] Howard was named to the All-NBA Third Team after having received five consecutive first-team honors.[71] He became a free agent in the summer, and he was offered a maximum contract of five years and $118 million by the Lakers.[70]

Houston Rockets (2013–2016)

Howard with the Rockets in 2014, alongside teammate Chandler Parsons

On July 13, 2013, Howard signed with the Houston Rockets, joining James Harden to form a formidable duo.[72] Howard finished the regular season with averages of 18.3 points and 12.2 rebounds and earned All-NBA Second Team honors.[73] During the 2014 playoffs, Howard averaged 26 points and 13.7 rebounds per game, but the Rockets were eliminated by the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round, losing the series 4–2.

After playing in the Rockets' first 10 out of 11 games to start the 2014–15 season, Howard missed 11 straight due to a strained right knee[74] before returning to action on December 13 against the Denver Nuggets and recording his 10,000th career rebound.[75] However, on January 31, Howard was ruled out for a further month due to persistent trouble with his right knee.[76][77] After setbacks forced him out for a further month and a total of 26 games, Howard returned to action on March 25 against the New Orleans Pelicans. He started the game but was held under 17 minutes by coach Kevin McHale and finished with just four points and seven rebounds in a 95–93 win.[78] Howard played only 41 games in the regular season.[79] The Rockets clinched their first division title in over 20 years[80] and made it to the Western Conference Finals, where they lost 4–1 to the Golden State Warriors.[81]

On November 4, 2015, Howard had 23 points and 14 rebounds against the Orlando Magic. He shot 10-of-10 to become the first Rocket to make 10 or more field goals without a miss since Yao Ming went 12-of-12 in 2009.[82] On December 26, he eclipsed 15,000 points for his career in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.[83] On January 18, 2016, in an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Howard had 36 points and tied a career high with 26 rebounds en route to his 10th straight double-double, the league's longest active streak at the time, and his longest since a 14-game run in 2012–13.[84] On June 22, 2016, Howard declined his $23 million player option for the 2016–17 season and became an unrestricted free agent.[85]

Atlanta Hawks (2016–2017)

Howard with the Hawks in 2017

On July 12, 2016, Howard signed a three-year, $70 million contract with his hometown team the Atlanta Hawks.[86][87] With the retirement of Tim Duncan, Howard entered the 2016–17 season as the NBA's active leader in rebounds (12,089)[88] and blocked shots (1,916).[89] In his debut for the Hawks in their season opener on October 27, Howard grabbed 19 rebounds in a 114–99 win over the Washington Wizards. It was the most rebounds for anyone in their Atlanta debut, breaking the mark of 18 that Shareef Abdur-Rahim set on October 30, 2001.[90] On November 2, he scored a season-high 31 points in a 123–116 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.[91] On February 2, he had a season-best game with 24 points and 23 rebounds in a 113–108 win over the Rockets in Houston.[92]

Charlotte Hornets (2017–2018)

On June 20, 2017, the Hawks traded Howard, along with the 31st overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Marco Belinelli, Miles Plumlee and the 41st overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft.[93] To begin the season, Howard became the first Charlotte player since Emeka Okafor in 2007 with four consecutive 15-rebound games.[94] In the fifth game of the season, he had another 15-rebound game.[95] On March 15, he scored 20 of his season-high 33 points in the second half of the Hornets' 129–117 win over the Atlanta Hawks.[96] On March 21, Howard recorded 32 points and a franchise-record 30 rebounds in a 111–105 win over the Nets, becoming just the eighth player in league history with a 30–30 game. He became the first NBA player with a 30-point, 30-rebound game since Kevin Love in November 2010, and the first player with a 30–30 game against the Nets since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in February 1978.[97] The next day, Howard was suspended for one game without pay due to receiving his 16th technical foul of the season.[98] Howard finished the season with a franchise-record 53 double-doubles and joined Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to hold single-season records with two teams. Howard also became one of six players to average a double-double in each of his first 13 seasons in the league.[99]

On July 6, 2018, Howard was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Timofey Mozgov, the draft rights to Hamidou Diallo, a 2021 second-round draft pick and cash considerations.[100] He was waived by the Nets immediately upon being acquired.[101]

Washington Wizards (2018–2019)

Howard with the Washington Wizards in 2018

On July 12, 2018, Howard signed with the Washington Wizards.[102][103] He missed all of training camp, every exhibition game and the first seven regular-season games with a sore backside.[104] He appeared in nine games in November before missing the rest of the season after undergoing spinal surgery to relieve pain in his glutes.[105][106] In March 2019, it was revealed that Howard, in addition to his back injury, was also dealing with a hamstring issue.[107] On April 18, 2019, Howard exercised his $5.6 million player option to play a second season with the Wizards.[108]

On July 6, 2019, Howard was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies for forward C. J. Miles.[109] On August 24, 2019, Howard was waived by the Grizzlies.[110]

Second stint with the Lakers (2019–2020)

On August 26, 2019, Howard signed a $2.6 million veteran's minimum contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, reuniting him with his former team.[111][112] He was replacing DeMarcus Cousins, a free agent signed earlier in the offseason who was lost for the year after suffering a knee injury.[111] To assure the team that he would accept any role the team asked, Howard offered to sign a non-guaranteed contract, freeing the Lakers to cut him at any time.[113]

During the season, the Lakers split time fairly evenly between him and starting center JaVale McGee.[114] On January 13, 2020, Howard scored a season-high 21 points on a 9-of-11 shooting and got a season-high 15 rebounds.[115] In Game 4 of the Western Conference finals against the Denver Nuggets, Lakers coach Frank Vogel started Howard to match up against the Nuggets' Nikola Jokić.[116] Howard had 12 points and 11 rebounds in 23 minutes to help the Lakers win and take a 3–1 lead in the series. He had started twice during the regular season, but this was his first start by coach's decision when McGee was available.[117] The Lakers advanced to the NBA Finals, winning the series 4–2 over the Miami Heat and giving Howard his first NBA championship.

Philadelphia 76ers (2020–2021)

On November 21, 2020, the Philadelphia 76ers signed Howard to a one-year deal[118] worth $2,564,753.[119] With the 76ers he averaged 7 points[119] and 8.4 rebounds. Howard played 69 games with the Sixers with six starts in 17.3 minutes. He was suspended for one game after getting into a scuffle with Udonis Haslem where both were assessed technical fouls and Haslem was ejected. Howard was suspended because he incurred his 16th technical foul of the year.[120] Despite winning the Atlantic division and the Eastern Conference regular season, in the Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, the 76ers would lose in seven games which included a squandered 26-point lead in Game 5.[121]

Third stint with the Lakers (2021–2022)

Howard signed a $2.6 million veteran's minimum contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on August 6, 2021.[122] He averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds playing 60 games, starting 27 for the injury-ridden Anthony Davis.[citation needed] Despite one of the strongest rosters in the league, the Lakers, viewed by many as the premier championship contender, failed to make the playoffs, which was widely regarded by experts to be one of the greatest underachievements in NBA history.[123]

Taoyuan Leopards (2022–2023)

Howard with the Taoyuan Leopards in 2022

On November 7, 2022, Howard signed with the Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 League in Taiwan.[124][125] While the league usually caps the salary of foreign players to US$200,000,[126] it approved an exception for Howard, who would receive over $1 million. The league argued that Howard would raise the level of competition and boost the audience’s interest.[127] On November 19, Howard made his Leopards debut, putting up 38 points, 25 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 blocks in a 120–115 win over New Taipei CTBC DEA.[128] However, just one day later, after playing his first two games back-to-back and nearly averaging a triple-double, Howard was sidelined with a knee injury until mid-December. Howard attributed this to playing over 90 minutes within 26 hours, which he was no longer used to.[129] His knee injury resurfaced after playing another string of back-to-back games from December 16 to 17, causing him to sit out another two weeks and it was decided that in the future, Howard would mostly be used in home games to not further aggravate the injury.[130]

In February 2023, Howard was named an All-Star for the T1 League as well as the All-Star Game Most Famous Player, and was also selected to participate in the Three-Point Contest.[131] He scored 37 points and was named All-Star game MVP.[132] He was the league's rebounds leader for the 2022–23 season.[133] On May 10, 2023, Howard was selected to the T1 League All-Defensive First Team in 2022–23 season.[134] The next day, Howard was selected to the all-T1 League first team,[135] and was awarded the Most Valuable Import of the T1 League for the 2022–23 season a day after that.[136]

After the end of the season, Howard reportedly had talks about joining the Australian National Basketball League[137] and joined non-league Philippine-based team Strong Group for the Dubai International Basketball Championship in January 2024 where he helped secured a silver medal finish.[138] [139] He later expressed openness to play in the Philippine Basketball Association as well.[140]

Mets de Guaynabo (2024–present)

On March 1, 2024, Howard signed with the Mets de Guaynabo of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional.[141]

National team career

Howard at the 2008 Olympics

On March 5, 2006, Howard was named to the 2006–2008 USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team program.[1] As the team's regular starting center, he helped lead the team to a 5–0 record during its pre-World Championship tour, and subsequently helped the team win the bronze medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship.[1] During the FIBA Americas Championship 2007, Howard was on the team which won its first nine games en route to qualifying for the finals and a spot for the 2008 Olympics.[142] He started in eight of those nine games, averaging 8.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg and led the team in shooting .778 from the field.[143] In the finals, he made all seven of his shots and scored 20 points as the USA defeated Argentina to win the gold medal.[144]

On June 23, 2008, Howard was named as one of the members of the 12-man squad representing the United States in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.[145] With Howard starting as center, Team USA won all of its games en route to the gold medal, restarting a streak of gold medals interrupted at the 2004 Olympics.[146] Howard averaged 10.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in the tournament.[147]

Player profile

Standing 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 m) and weighing 265 pounds (120 kg), Howard plays the center position. He led the NBA in rebounding from 2007 to 2010, and again from 2012 to 2013. Howard's rebounding is in part facilitated by his extraordinary athleticism; his running vertical leap was tested at 39.5 inches (100 cm) in 2011, rare for a player of his size.[148][149] He demonstrated this skill in the 2007 Slam Dunk Contest, where he completed an alley oop dunk from teammate Jameer Nelson while slapping a sticker onto the backboard at 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m) high.[150] The sticker showed an image of his own smiling face with a handwritten "All things through Christ Phil: 4:13", a paraphrase of Philippians 4:13.[151]

Howard's abilities and powerful physique have drawn attention from fellow NBA All-Stars. Tim Duncan remarked in 2007, "[Howard] is so developed... He has so much promise and I am glad that I will be out of the league when he is peaking."[152] Kevin Garnett echoed those sentiments: "[Howard] is a freak of nature, man... I was nowhere near that physically talented. I wasn't that gifted, as far as body and physical presence."[152] After a game in the 2009 NBA Playoffs, Philadelphia 76ers swingman Andre Iguodala said: "It's like he can guard two guys at once. He can guard his guy and the guy coming off the pick-and-roll, which is almost impossible to do... If he gets any more athletic or jumps any higher, they're going to have to change the rules."[8] In December 2007, ESPN writer David Thorpe declared Howard the most dominant center in the NBA.[153] Early in his career, many sports pundits rated Howard one of the top young prospects in the NBA.[149][154][155]

Howard has a reputation as a negative locker room presence.[156][157][158] In a 2013 interview, he called his former Orlando Magic teammates a "team full of people no one wanted".[159] In a 2013 article titled "Is Dwight Howard the NBA's Worst Teammate?", Bleacher Report asserted that Howard had "extinguished all bridges with the franchise where he spent his first eight NBA seasons".[159] Howard did not get along with Kobe Bryant when he first played for the Lakers and did not get along with James Harden when he played for the Rockets.[160] When he was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Charlotte Hornets, some of his Hawks teammates reportedly cheered.[161][162] After Charlotte traded Howard to the Washington Wizards, Charlotte player Brendan Haywood asserted that Howard's teammates were "sick and tired of his act".[163] In 2018, NBC News reported that "Howard’s time with the Magic, Lakers and Rockets devolved into interpersonal strife well before he left those teams". Also in 2018, The Ringer published a piece titled "Everybody (Still) Hates Dwight" in which it called Howard "almost certainly the least popular player in the NBA".[160] Before signing with the Lakers in 2019, Howard reportedly met with the team multiple times, "promising not to live up to his reputation as a difficult teammate who disrupts locker rooms";[164] the team warned him that he would be released if he became a disruptive presence.[165]

NBA career statistics

Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 †  Won an NBA championship  *  Led the league

Regular season

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2004–05 Orlando 82 82* 32.6 .520 .000 .671 10.0 .9 .9 1.7 12.0
2005–06 Orlando 82* 81 36.8 .531 .000 .595 12.5 1.5 .8 1.4 15.8
2006–07 Orlando 82* 82* 36.9 .603 .500 .586 12.3 1.9 .9 1.9 17.6
2007–08 Orlando 82* 82* 37.7 .599 .000 .590 14.2* 1.3 .9 2.1 20.7
2008–09 Orlando 79 79 35.7 .572 .000 .594 13.8* 1.4 1.0 2.9* 20.6
2009–10 Orlando 82* 82* 34.7 .612* .000 .592 13.2* 1.8 .9 2.8* 18.3
2010–11 Orlando 78 78 37.5 .593 .000 .596 14.1 1.4 1.4 2.4 22.9
2011–12 Orlando 54 54 38.3 .573 .000 .491 14.5* 1.9 1.5 2.1 20.6
2012–13 L.A. Lakers 76 76 35.8 .578 .167 .492 12.4* 1.4 1.1 2.4 17.1
2013–14 Houston 71 71 33.7 .591 .286 .547 12.2 1.8 .8 1.8 18.3
2014–15 Houston 41 41 29.8 .593 .500 .528 10.5 1.2 .7 1.3 15.8
2015–16 Houston 71 71 32.1 .620 .000 .489 11.8 1.4 1.0 1.6 13.7
2016–17 Atlanta 74 74 29.7 .633 .000 .533 12.7 1.4 .9 1.2 13.5
2017–18 Charlotte 81 81 30.4 .555 .143 .574 12.5 1.3 .6 1.6 16.6
2018–19 Washington 9 9 25.6 .623 .604 9.2 .4 .8 .4 12.8
2019–20 L.A. Lakers 69 2 18.9 .729 .600 .514 7.3 .7 .4 1.1 7.5
2020–21 Philadelphia 69 6 17.3 .587 .250 .576 8.4 .9 .4 .9 7.0
2021–22 L.A. Lakers 60 27 16.2 .612 .533 .658 5.9 .6 .6 .6 6.2
Career 1,242 1,078 31.8 .587 .214 .567 11.8 1.3 .9 1.8 15.7
All-Star 8 6 23.3 .642 .154 .450 8.8 1.5 .6 1.1 12.1

Playoffs

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2007 Orlando 4 4 41.8 .548 .455 14.8 1.8 .5 1.0 15.3
2008 Orlando 10 10 42.1 .581 .542 15.8 .9 .8 3.4 18.9
2009 Orlando 23 23 39.3 .601 .000 .636 15.3 1.9 .9 2.6 20.3
2010 Orlando 14 14 35.5 .614 .519 11.1 1.4 .8 3.5 18.1
2011 Orlando 6 6 43.0 .630 .000 .682 15.5 0.5 .7 1.8 27.0
2013 L.A. Lakers 4 4 31.5 .619 .444 10.8 1.0 .5 2.0 17.0
2014 Houston 6 6 38.5 .547 .625 13.7 1.8 .7 2.8 26.0
2015 Houston 17 17 33.8 .577 .412 14.0 1.2 1.4 2.3 16.4
2016 Houston 5 5 36.0 .542 .000 .368 14.0 1.6 .8 1.4 13.2
2017 Atlanta 6 6 26.1 .500 .632 10.7 1.3 1.0 .8 8.0
2020 L.A. Lakers 18 7 15.7 .684 .500 .556 4.6 .5 .4 .4 5.8
2021 Philadelphia 12 0 12.4 .533 .000 .600 6.3 .7 .2 .5 4.7
Career 125 102 31.6 .589 .143 .548 11.8 1.2 .8 2.0 15.3

Other media

Howard appeared as a special guest on an episode of the ABC series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition that aired April 2, 2006, in which Ty Pennington and his team built a new home and ministry offices for Sadie Holmes, who operates a social services ministry in the Orlando area.[166]

Howard competed in season 6 of The Masked Singer as "Octopus". He was the first one to be eliminated during the two-night premiere alongside Vivica A. Fox as "Mother Nature" and Toni Braxton as "Pufferfish".

Starting with 2004's ESPN NBA 2K5, Howard appeared in every entry of the NBA 2K series of basketball simulation video games up until 2021's NBA 2K22, totaling 18 entries and covering his entire NBA career. Similarly, he appeared in every NBA Live entry from 2004's NBA Live 2005 onwards until the series was canceled in 2018 following NBA Live 19, totaling 11 games. Additionally, he was the cover athlete of NBA Live 10.[167] Furthermore, he appeared in multiple spin-off titles for both series, such as NBA Street V3, NBA Street Homecourt, NBA Jam, NBA Elite 11, NBA Playgrounds, and NBA 2K Playgrounds 2.

In 2011, he played himself on an episode of The Suite Life on Deck alongside fellow NBA players Deron Williams and Kevin Love.

In 2023, he finished third on Special Forces: World's Toughest Test.

Personal life

Howard has five children by five women.[168] In 2010, Howard won a defamation judgment against Royce Reed,[169] the mother of his oldest child Braylon.[170] A Florida judge ruled that she violated a court order prohibiting her from mentioning Howard in the media.[169] He had initially sought about half a billion dollars in damages, claiming that she had disparaged him through Twitter and her appearances on the reality television show Basketball Wives, as the couple's paternity agreement stipulated a $500 fine for each time she mentioned him in public.[171]

In October 2014, police in Cobb County, Georgia, investigated claims by Reed that Howard abused their son.[172][173] Howard had admitted to hitting Braylon with a belt; he had been disciplined in the same manner while growing up, and he stated that he did not realize it was wrong to do so.[174][175] Howard was not charged in connection with the allegations.[176] Howard was also involved in a civil case with Reed over custody of their son.[173][175]

Howard keeps approximately 20 snakes as pets and has appeared twice[177][178] on Animal Planet's reality TV series Tanked.[179][180] He owns a farm "in north Georgia where he relaxes [with] cows, hogs, turkeys and deer," and also grows vegetables on his estate in Suwanee, Georgia.[168]

Melissa Rios, the mother of his son, David, died on March 27, 2020, following an epileptic seizure. David was with Howard at his home in Georgia at the time.[181]

Philanthropy, faith, and public image

Before he was drafted in 2004, Howard said that he wanted to use his NBA career and Christian faith to "raise the name of God within the league and throughout the world".[182] He has stated he believes in reaching out to his community and fans and thus contributes substantially in the field of philanthropy.[3] Together with his parents, Howard established the Dwight D. Howard Foundation Inc. in 2004.[183] In November 2009, the center was named one of the 10 finalists for the Jefferson Awards for Public Service, which awards athletes for their charitable work.[184]

In 2014, Epix featured Howard as the focal point of a documentary about his life called In the Moment.[185]

Assault and battery allegation

In July 2023, a man sued Howard for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and false imprisonment. The lawsuit stemmed from an encounter with the man at Howard's Georgia residence in July 2021. The plaintiff alleged that Howard coerced him into a threesome with another man and forced himself sexually on the plaintiff.[186] Howard denied the allegations and asked that the lawsuit be dismissed, stating that the two had engaged in "consensual sexual activity"[187] and that the "case had been made public for profit".[188]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ The previous Lakers records were held by Bryant, who made 23 twice—most recently in 2006 against New York—while Shaquille O'Neal attempted 31 in 1999 against Chicago.[66]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Dwight Howard Archived November 28, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, usabasketball.com, accessed February 24, 2008.
  2. ^ Simers, T.J. (December 12, 2012). "Dwight Howard cares so much it hurts". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Smith, Aran, "adidas Superstar Camp Asia: Dwight Howard Interview" Archived April 16, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, nbadraft.net, May 27, 2006, accessed July 11, 2007.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Dwight Howard Biography Archived February 18, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, jockbio.com, accessed August 2, 2008.
  5. ^ "State Tournaments: 2004 A boys". www.ghsbp.com.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Dwight Howard Info Page – Bio Archived April 21, 2006, at the Wayback Machine, nba.com, accessed July 11, 2007.
  7. ^ "Wilkins Honored as One of 35 Greatest McDonald's All Americans". NBA. January 31, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2012.
  8. ^ a b c Howard becomes youngest to win Defensive Player of the Year Archived April 24, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, nba.com, April 21, 2009, accessed April 22, 2009.
  9. ^ a b c Dwight Howard Info Page – Career Stats and Totals Archived May 16, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, nba.com, accessed December 5, 2007.
  10. ^ 2005 Award Winners, nba.com, accessed March 28, 2007.
  11. ^ Howard's 20/20, nba.com/magic, November 16, 2005, accessed March 28, 2007.
  12. ^ 2005–06 DIVISION STANDINGS, nba.com/standings, accessed March 28, 2007.
  13. ^ Greatest Moment in Amway Arena History, nba.com, accessed October 27, 2010.
  14. ^ Howard Carries Magic Past Sixers, nba.com, April 14, 2007, accessed April 19, 2007.
  15. ^ Long, Mark, Magic Top Heat, Draw Pistons in First Round, nba.com, April 19, 2007, accessed April 19, 2007.
  16. ^ At a Glance 2007 Archived January 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, nba.com/playoffs2007, accessed May 1, 2007.
  17. ^ Phoenix Duo Highlights All-NBA First Team, nba.com, May 10, 2007, accessed May 12, 2007.
  18. ^ Medeiros, Andrew, "Around the Association presented by T-Mobile: February 13" Archived February 15, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, nba.com, February 13, 2008, accessed February 15, 2008.
  19. ^ a b c MVP Kobe Bryant Highlights All-NBA First Team Archived May 11, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, nba.com, May 8, 2008, accessed May 9, 2008.
  20. ^ Schuhmann, John, "All-Star Saturday Dwight", nba.com, February 17, 2008, accessed February 17, 2008.
  21. ^ Magic Beat Raptors, Move to Second Round, nba.com, April 29, 2008, accessed May 1, 2008.
  22. ^ Feschuk, Dave, "Nelson dangerous, Howard kills", thestar.com, November 18, 2008, accessed November 19, 2008.
  23. ^ Schmitz, Brian, "Pistons end Magic's season in Game 5" Archived May 14, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, orlandosentinel.com, May 13, 2008, accessed May 14, 2008.
  24. ^ Kobe, Garnett Headline All-Defensive Team Archived July 26, 2010, at the Wayback Machine, nba.com, May 12, 2008, accessed May 13, 2008.
  25. ^ Grange, Michael, "O'Neal prepares for tall challenge", Globe and Mail, November 17, 2008.
  26. ^ "Without Howard, Magic beat Jazz in Utah". NBA.com. Associated Press. December 13, 2008. Archived from the original on April 18, 2013.
  27. ^ Howard tops balloting for 2009 NBA All-Star Game Archived January 24, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, nba.com, January 22, 2009, accessed January 23, 2009.
  28. ^ Gonzalez, Antonio, "Magic Switch: Orlando bounces Boston from 2nd", nba.com, March 25, 2009, accessed March 28, 2009.
  29. ^ 2008–09 NBA Season Summary, basketball-reference.com, accessed April 16, 2009.
  30. ^ Withers, Tom, "Howard scores 40 as Magic make finals", nba.com, May 30, 2009, accessed May 31, 2009.
  31. ^ Lakers and Magic tied at 87 at end of regulation in Game 4, nba.com, June 12, 2009, accessed June 12, 2009.
  32. ^ 2009 NBA Finals Composite Box Score, basketball-reference.com, accessed November 1, 2009.
  33. ^ Howard, Bryant headline 2008–09 NBA All-Defensive First Team Archived May 8, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, nba.com, May 6, 2009, accessed May 7, 2009.
  34. ^ James a unanimous pick for All-NBA First Team Archived May 16, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, nba.com, May 13, 2009, accessed May 14, 2009.
  35. ^ All-Star starters announced Thursday, ESPN, January 21, 2010, accessed January 22, 2010.
  36. ^ a b Howard wins Kia Defensive Player of Year honors again Archived September 1, 2010, at the Wayback Machine, nba.com, April 20, 2010, accessed April 21, 2010.
  37. ^ a b Wallace, Michael (April 19, 2011). "Dwight Howard defensive POY again". ESPN. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
  38. ^ Joe Johnson scores 23 points as Hawks eliminate Magic, ESPN, accessed February 28, 2020.
  39. ^ Robbins, Josh, "Dwight Howard's technical foul in Game 1 of playoffs will stand as called" Archived April 26, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, orlandosentinel.com, April 18, 2011, accessed March 12, 2012.
  40. ^ "Sources – Nets chase Dwight Howard". ESPN. December 14, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  41. ^ Windhorst, Brian, "Dwight Howard explains trade demands", ESPN December 12, 2011, accessed February 28, 2020.
  42. ^ Dunlap, Evan, "NBA Rumors: Dwight Howard "By Far" Wants to Stay with Orlando Magic; Shane Battier on Magic's Radar", orlandopinstripedpost.com, accessed March 12, 2012.
  43. ^ Dwight Howard breaks FT attempts mark as Magic top Warriors, ESPN, January 12, 2012, accessed February 27, 2020.
  44. ^ Dwight Howard becomes Magic's all-time leading scorer in win ESPN, accessed January 26, 2012.
  45. ^ Berger, Ken (March 16, 2012). "Howard waives opt-out, agrees to stay in Orlando". NBA Insider. CBS Sports.
  46. ^ Boren, Cindy (April 5, 2012). "Orlando Coach Stan Van Gundy says Dwight Howard wants him fired. Then it gets a little weird". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 11, 2016.
  47. ^ Amick, Sam (March 11, 2013). "Dwight Howard apologizes to Orlando from Hollywood home". USA Today. Archived from the original on March 13, 2013.
  48. ^ "Van Gundy Relieved of Duties; Smith and Magic Mutually Agree To Part Ways". NBA.com. May 21, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  49. ^ Bucher, Ric (April 20, 2012). "Dwight Howard out for season". ESPN.com.
  50. ^ Hightower, Kyle (July 2, 2012). "Magic GM: Howard has indeed reissued trade request". yahoo.com. Associated Press. Archived from the original on July 5, 2012.
  51. ^ Wojnarowski, Adrian (July 2, 2012). "Dwight Howard: I'll re-sign with only one team". yahoo.com. Archived from the original on July 4, 2012.
  52. ^ Bresnahan, Mike (February 23, 2013). "Lakers' Dwight Howard still not all the way back". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on February 25, 2013.
  53. ^ a b c d Shelburne, Ramona (February 23, 2013). "Dwight Howard shoulders blame". ESPN. Archived from the original on February 26, 2013.
  54. ^ Pincus, Eric (January 23, 2013). "NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy blasts Dwight Howard". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on January 27, 2013.
  55. ^ McMenamin, Dave (February 5, 2013). "Dwight Howard trying to avoid 'circus'". ESPN. Archived from the original on February 6, 2013.
  56. ^ McMenamin, Dave (January 23, 2013). "Dwight Howard plans to 'bring it'". ESPN. Archived from the original on January 25, 2013.
  57. ^ Markazi, Arash (January 25, 2013). "Dwight Howard cleared to play". ESPN. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013.
  58. ^ Bresnahan, Mike (February 3, 2013). "'Leadership' role doesn't fit Lakers, again, but they beat Pistons". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on February 5, 2013.
  59. ^ Bresnahan, Mike (February 1, 2013). "Lakers find a road to joy in Minnesota". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on February 4, 2013.
  60. ^ "Kobe Bryant urges Dwight Howard". ESPN. February 7, 2013. Archived from the original on February 7, 2013.
  61. ^ McMenamin, Dave (February 7, 2013). "Dwight Howard fires back at critics". ESPN. Archived from the original on February 13, 2013.
  62. ^ Shelburne, Ramona (March 11, 2013). "Dwight Howard: I changed at break". ESPN. Archived from the original on March 13, 2013.
  63. ^ Pincus, Eric (March 9, 2013). "Dwight Howard inspired by Kobe Bryant's dedication". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 13, 2013.
  64. ^ Plaschke, Bill (February 12, 2013). "This is not the Steve Nash the Lakers hoped for". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on February 21, 2013.
  65. ^ McMenamin, Dave (March 11, 2013). "Dwight Howard finally finding himself". ESPN. Archived from the original on March 14, 2013.
  66. ^ a b Bresnahan, Mike (March 12, 2013). "Hacks and answered: Lakers' Dwight Howard buries Magic at line". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 28, 2013.
  67. ^ Buha, Johan (May 3, 2013). "Defense was biggest impediment to Lakers' success". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 6, 2013.
  68. ^ "Dwight Howard ejected as Spurs finish sweep of Lakers". ESPN. Associated Press. April 28, 2013. Archived from the original on April 29, 2013.
  69. ^ Plaschke, Bill (April 28, 2013). "Lakers, Dwight Howard need to walk away from each other". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 29, 2013.
  70. ^ a b McMenamin, Dave (May 6, 2013). "2012–13 Lakers Report Card: Starting five". ESPN. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  71. ^ Trudell, Mike (May 23, 2013). "Kobe Named All-NBA First Team … Again". Lakers.com. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  72. ^ "Howard Selects Houston in Free Agency". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. July 13, 2013. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
  73. ^ "Harden and Howard named All-NBA". NBA.com. June 4, 2014. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
  74. ^ "Dwight Howard (knee) returns". ESPN. Associated Press. December 13, 2014. Archived from the original on December 14, 2014.
  75. ^ "Howard, Harden lead Rockets over Nuggets, 108–96". NBA.com. December 13, 2014. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
  76. ^ Crouse, Chris (January 31, 2015). "Dwight Howard To Miss At Least A Month". HoopsRumors.com. Archived from the original on February 4, 2015. Retrieved February 1, 2015.
  77. ^ Stein, Marc (February 1, 2015). "Knee woes plaguing Dwight Howard". ESPN. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  78. ^ "Howard returns, Rockets beat Pelicans 95–93". NBA.com. March 25, 2015. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  79. ^ "Dwight Howard 2014-15 Game Log". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 25, 2018.
  80. ^ Dunsmore, Ryan (April 16, 2015). "Rockets clinch first division title in over 20 years". thedreamshake.com. Retrieved December 25, 2018.
  81. ^ Pratt, Jason (May 27, 2015). "Rockets vs. Warriors 2015 final score: 3 things we learned as Golden State advanced to the NBA Finals". sbnation.com. Retrieved December 25, 2018.
  82. ^ "Harden leads Rockets over Magic in overtime 119–114". NBA.com. November 4, 2015. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  83. ^ "Davis leads Pelicans past Rockets, 110–108". NBA.com. December 26, 2015. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  84. ^ "Redick's career-high 40 help Clippers beat Rockets in OT". NBA.com. January 18, 2016. Retrieved January 19, 2016.
  85. ^ "Source: Dwight Howard opts out despite Rockets' efforts to keep him". ESPN.com. June 22, 2016. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  86. ^ "Hawks Sign Eight-Time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard". NBA.com. July 12, 2016. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
  87. ^ "Dwight Howard, Hawks reach deal; Al Horford status in question". ESPN.com. July 2, 2016. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  88. ^ "NBA Progressive Leaders and Records for Total Rebounds". Basketball-Reference.com.
  89. ^ "NBA Progressive Leaders and Records for Blocks". Basketball-Reference.com.
  90. ^ "Howard, Millsap, Hardaway lead Hawks past Wizards 114–99". ESPN.com. October 27, 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  91. ^ "Williams lifts Lakers to 123–116 comeback win over Hawks". ESPN.com. November 2, 2016. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
  92. ^ "Howard has 24 points, 23 rebounds as Hawks rally past Rockets". ESPN.com. February 2, 2017. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
  93. ^ "Hornets Acquire Howard and Draft Pick from Hawks". NBA.com. June 20, 2017. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  94. ^ "Kaminsky scores 20 off bench, Hornets rout Nuggets 110–93". ESPN.com. October 25, 2017. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  95. ^ "Harden's triple-double lifts Rockets past Hornets 109–93". ESPN.com. October 27, 2017. Retrieved October 27, 2017.
  96. ^ "Howard dominates inside as Hornets beat Hawks 129–117". ESPN.com. March 15, 2018. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  97. ^ "Howard has 32 points, 32 rebounds in Hornets' win over Nets". ESPN.com. March 21, 2018. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  98. ^ "Hornets' Dwight Howard suspended". NBA. March 22, 2018. Archived from the original on October 22, 2020. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  99. ^ "Hornets take advantage of resting Pacers for 119–93 win". ESPN.com. April 10, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  100. ^ "Hornets Acquire Mozgov, Two Second-Round Draft Picks From Nets". NBA.com. July 6, 2018. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  101. ^ "BROOKLYN NETS COMPLETE TRADE WITH CHARLOTTE HORNETS". NBA.com. July 6, 2018. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  102. ^ Rosen, Zach (July 12, 2018). "Dwight Howard brings big presence down low for Wizards". NBA.com. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  103. ^ Buckner, Candace (July 12, 2018). "It's official: Dwight Howard is a Wizard". WashingtonPost.com. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  104. ^ "Westbrook's 23 lead surging OKC past struggling Wiz 134–111". ESPN.com. November 2, 2018. Retrieved November 2, 2018.
  105. ^ "Dwight Howard Injury Update". NBA.com. November 30, 2018. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  106. ^ "Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons help 76ers rout Wizards". ESPN.com. November 30, 2018. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  107. ^ "Gobert, Mitchell lead Utah in 116-95 rout of Washington". ESPN.com. March 18, 2019. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  108. ^ "Dwight Howard exercises player option, will return to Wizards for the 2019-20 season". www.washingtonpost.com. Archived from the original on April 19, 2019. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
  109. ^ "Memphis Grizzlies complete trade with Washington Wizards". NBA.com. July 6, 2019. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
  110. ^ "Memphis Grizzlies waive Dwight Howard". NBA.com. August 24, 2019. Retrieved August 24, 2019.
  111. ^ a b McMenamin, Dave (October 2, 2019). "Lakers' Frank Vogel: Dwight Howard, JaVale McGee 'have really impressed me'". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  112. ^ "Lakers Sign Dwight Howard". NBA.com. August 26, 2019. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  113. ^ Shelburne, Ramona (September 19, 2020). "NBA playoffs: Dwight Howard gives Lakers a Game 1 jolt". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  114. ^ Gundersen, Erik García (July 22, 2020). "Lakers Restart Refresh: Dwight Howard, looking for first championship". USA Today. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  115. ^ Ballislife.com [@ballislife] (January 14, 2020). "DWIGHT HOWARD!! Knocks down his 3RD THREE of the season. He had a total of SIX THREES in his first 15 seasons. He also had... 21 PTS (season-high) 15 REB (season-high) 9-11 FG in 24 MINSpic.twitter.com/Ztk9cucyAj" (Tweet). Retrieved January 14, 2020 – via Twitter.
  116. ^ Woike, Dan (September 24, 2020). "Rejuvenated Dwight Howard a 'beast' on the boards in Lakers' Game 4 win". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  117. ^ Oram, Bill (September 25, 2020). "Dwight Howard reverses rebound trend as Lakers move one win from the finals". The Athletic. Retrieved September 25, 2020. So Thursday was his first start by coach's decision with the Lakers in the better part of a decade.
  118. ^ "Team Signs Howard". Philadelphia 76ers. Retrieved November 21, 2020.
  119. ^ a b "Dwight Howard Stats".
  120. ^ "Howard suspended for picking up 16th tech in confrontation with Haslem". May 14, 2021.
  121. ^ Polacek, Scott. "Trae Young, Kevin Huerter, Hawks Edge Joel Embiid, 76ers in Game 7; Will Face Bucks". Bleacher Report. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  122. ^ "Lakers Sign Dwight Howard". NBA.com/Lakers.
  123. ^ Kram, Zach (April 6, 2022). "Are the Lakers the Biggest Disappointment in NBA History?". The Ringer. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  124. ^ "Dwight Howard to play for Taiwan's Taoyuan Leopards". ESPN.com. November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  125. ^ "Howard重磅加盟雲豹 將與GM蘇翊傑同日出賽". NOWnews. November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  126. ^ "T1聯盟章程暨各式規章" (PDF). T1League.basketball. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  127. ^ Liao, George (November 9, 2022). "Dwight Howard's annual salary in Taiwan reportedly exceeds US$1 million". Taiwan News. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
  128. ^ Koons, Zach (November 19, 2022). "Dwight Howard Has Video Game-Like Debut in Taiwanese Pro League". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  129. ^ Ocon, Jaime; Chen, Alex (November 22, 2022). "NBA Star Howard Sidelined by Knee Injury Shortly After Taiwan Debut". Taiwan Plus. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  130. ^ Yang, Sophia (December 24, 2022). "Dwight Howard to play mainly in home games in Taiwan due to knee issues". Taiwan News. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
  131. ^ "Dwight Howard to Headline Taiwan League's 1st-Ever All-Star Game and 3-Point Contest". Bleacher Report. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  132. ^ "霍華德37分「準大三元」拿MVP 率隊大勝55分". Liberty Times Net. February 28, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  133. ^ "雲豹3外援帶走3獎項 林韋翰包辦助攻、抄截王". United Daily News. April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  134. ^ "林韋翰領銜防守第一隊 「魔獸」霍華德也入選". Liberty Times Net. May 10, 2023. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  135. ^ "T1年度第一隊公布!霍華德、阿巴西領銜". ETtoday. May 11, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  136. ^ "魔獸獲T1年度最佳外援! 擊敗「雲豹 Kobe」艾夫伯、艾德等勁敵". ETtoday. May 12, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  137. ^ "Dwight Howard contemplates return to the NBA". Marca. December 8, 2023. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  138. ^ Zucker, Joseph (January 2, 2024). "Report: Dwight Howard Signs Contract with Philippines Team amid NBA Comeback Hopes". Bleacher Report. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  139. ^ Garcia, John Mark (January 29, 2024). "Al-Riyadi's buzzer-beating trey denies Strong Group in thrilling Dubai final". Spin PH. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  140. ^ "Relishing Philippines' love for basketball, Howard eyes PBA next". ESPN.ph. January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  141. ^ "¡De la NBA a Puerto Rico! Dwight Howard firma con los Mets de Guaynabo". ClaroSports.com (in Spanish). March 1, 2024. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  142. ^ USA Routs Puerto Rico, Advances to FIBA Finals, nba.com/usabasketball, accessed September 4, 2007.
  143. ^ Season Box Score Archived January 13, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, usabasketball.com, accessed September 4, 2007.
  144. ^ James Leads U.S. Squad Past Argentina to Claim Gold, nba.com, September 2, 2007, accessed September 4, 2007.
  145. ^ USA Basketball Announces 12-Member 2008 Men’s Senior National Team, nba.com, June 23, 2008, accessed July 4, 2008.
  146. ^ US hoops back on top, beats Spain for gold medal, sports.yahoo.com, August 24, 2008, accessed August 25, 2008.
  147. ^ USA Archived May 14, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, usabasketball.com, accessed August 25, 2008.
  148. ^ ESPN Sport Science: Superman, ESPN, November 3, 2011, accessed February 28, 2020.
  149. ^ a b Bucher, Rich, "The man who just can't wait to be king" Archived January 12, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, ESPN, December 10, 2006, accessed February 28, 2020.
  150. ^ Just a 42 for 12'6" sticker slap? Bigs get no respect, ESPN, accessed March 7, 2009.
  151. ^ Abbot, Henry, "Howard's sticker slam wins buzz but not contest", ESPN, February 17, 2007, accessed March 28, 2007.
  152. ^ a b Chat Transcript: Dwight Howard, nba.com/magic, accessed March 28, 2007.
  153. ^ Thorpe, David, "Scouting Report: What makes Dwight Howard so dominant?", ESPN Insider, December 11, 2007.
  154. ^ Anthony, Greg (December 15, 2006). "Biggest man, biggest honors". ESPN. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  155. ^ Neel, Eric, "No ceiling in sight", ESPN Insider, December 19, 2006
  156. ^ "Report: Hornets' locker room hated Dwight Howard". MSN. Archived from the original on April 20, 2019. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
  157. ^ "Bringing in Dwight Howard one of many moves that have stripped Hawks' identity". CBSSports.com. December 16, 2016.
  158. ^ Nathan, Alec. "Dwight Howard Wants to Change Perception Around Him During Time with Wizards". Bleacher Report.
  159. ^ a b "Is Dwight Howard the NBA's Worst Teammate?". Bleacher Report.
  160. ^ a b "Everybody (Still) Hates Dwight". July 25, 2018.
  161. ^ "Some Hawks players reportedly cheered when learning Dwight Howard was traded". September 26, 2017.
  162. ^ "Sounds Like the Hawks Despised Dwight Howard". September 27, 2017.
  163. ^ "Brendan Haywood: Former Hornets teammates 'sick and tired' of Dwight Howard's act". June 20, 2018.
  164. ^ "As Dwight Howard joins Lakers looking to repair reputation, should we believe this latest fresh start will be any different?". CBSSports.com. August 24, 2019. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  165. ^ "Lakers reunite with Dwight, warn him not to disrupt team".
  166. ^ Extreme Makeover: Magic Style, nba.com/nbabuzz, accessed March 28, 2007.
  167. ^ "Dwight Howard Named Cover Athlete of EA SPORTS NBA LIVE 10". Electronic Arts Inc. June 10, 2009.
  168. ^ a b Jenkins, Lee (September 19, 2017). "What Happened to Superman? How Dwight Howard Lost His Way and Is Trying to Get It Back". SI.com. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
  169. ^ a b Saad, Nardine (April 25, 2011). "Dwight Howard goes after Royce Reed in California court to collect on Florida defamation judgment". Los Angeles Times.
  170. ^ Povtak, Tim (March 29, 2008). "Howard faces paternity suit". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on August 29, 2013. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
  171. ^ McCann, Zach (September 17, 2010). "More information from Dwight Howard's lawsuit against Royce Reed". Orlando Sentinel.
  172. ^ Parker, Ryan (November 18, 2014). "Dwight Howard's lawyer calls felony child abuse allegations baseless". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on November 20, 2014.
  173. ^ a b Cutway, Adrienne (November 16, 2014). "Report: Dwight Howard cleared after child abuse investigation". Orland Sentinel. Archived from the original on November 19, 2014.
  174. ^ "Dwight Howard being investigated". ESPN. November 18, 2014. Archived from the original on November 19, 2014.
  175. ^ a b Beasley, David (November 18, 2014). "NBA star Dwight Howard investigated in Georgia for child abuse". Yahoo! Sports. Reuters. Archived from the original on November 22, 2014.
  176. ^ Devine, Dan (April 13, 2015). "Dwight Howard will not face charges in Atlanta child abuse investigation". Yahoo!. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  177. ^ "Dwight Howard's Slithering Slam Dunk Tank". www.animalplanet.com.
  178. ^ "Dwight Howard's Slamming Snake Tank- Supersized". www.animalplanet.com.
  179. ^ "Houston Rockets Center Dwight Howard Keeps Snakes". www.reptilesmagazine.com. April 22, 2015.
  180. ^ "Dwight Howard is the proud owner of 20 snakes and 50 guns". CBSSports.com. April 21, 2015.
  181. ^ McMenamin, Dave (May 15, 2020). "Lakers' Dwight Howard mourning after son's mother dies of epileptic seizure". ESPN.com.
  182. ^ Rovell, Darren, On a mission from God, ESPN, May 25, 2004, accessed February 28, 2020.
  183. ^ Dwight D. Howard Foundation Inc. WHAT WE DO, dwight-howard.com, accessed March 28, 2007.
  184. ^ Santich, Kate, Accolades pile up for Dwight Howard’s good deeds Archived August 15, 2010, at the Wayback Machine, orlandosentinel.com, November 25, 2009, accessed January 5, 2010.
  185. ^ "EPIX OFFERS EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT THE LIFE OF NBA ALL-STAR DWIGHT HOWARD". October 22, 2014.
  186. ^ "Former NBA star Dwight Howard denies sexual assault lawsuit filed by Georgia man". APnews.com. October 26, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  187. ^ Holmes, Baxter (October 25, 2023). "Dwight Howard denies sexual assault allegations". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  188. ^ Elibert, Mark. "Dwight Howard Says Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Him Is About 'Money' and 'Greed'". Complex. Retrieved November 12, 2023.

External links