Dwight Howard has been elected as a first-ballot member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for the Class of 2025, as reported by NBA insider Shams Charania. Howard’s career, highlighted by dominant defensive performances and an NBA championship, has earned him this prestigious honor.
Over 18 seasons, Howard became one of the most impactful centers in NBA history. He was an 8-time NBA All-Star, an 8-time All-NBA selection, and a 3-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. His career averages include 17.4 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.
Howard’s crowning achievement came in 2020, when he won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. This championship added to his already impressive resume, which also includes one Olympic gold medal from his time with Team USA in 2008.
Before joining the Lakers in 2019, Howard’s career had seen some ups and downs. He revealed in an interview on his podcast, Above The Rim, that he was jobless before signing with Los Angeles, but went on to play a crucial role in the Lakers’ championship run, contributing with defense and veteran presence.
The former number one overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, Howard spent the majority of his career with the Orlando Magic. During his time with Orlando, he led the team to the 2009 NBA Finals and was known for his dominant presence in the paint. His career bests include 22.9 points per game during the 2007-08 season and 14.2 rebounds per game in 2011-12.
Defensively, Howard was a force to be reckoned with, consistently ranking among the league leaders in rebounding and blocks. He averaged 2.9 blocks per game in his peak years with Orlando, earning a reputation as one of the best shot-blockers in the league.
Despite injuries and team changes later in his career, Howard continued to contribute, especially during his second stint with the Lakers. His defensive prowess and leadership helped the Lakers in their 2020 championship campaign, with Howard playing a vital role off the bench.
