Who is Dwight Howard?
Dwight Howard is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Howard is a nine-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA Team selection, five-time All-Defensive Team selection, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. He is also a two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion.
Howard began his professional career as the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. He spent the first eight years of his career with the Magic, and helped the team reach the 2009 NBA Finals. After his time with the Magic, Howard has played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, and Washington Wizards.
Early Life
Howard was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 8, 1985. He grew up in the Southwest Atlanta neighborhood of College Park, Georgia. He attended Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, where he was highly rated as a recruit by the media. He played basketball for the school team and was named the National High School Player of the Year in 2004.
College Career
Howard chose to forgo college to declare for the 2004 NBA Draft.
Professional Career
Orlando Magic (2004-2012)
Howard was selected with the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. He was named to the All-Rookie team during his first season and went on to become a five-time All-Star with the team. In 2009, he led the Magic to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers (2012-2013)
In 2012, Howard was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. He played one season with the team, averaging 17.1 points and 12.4 rebounds per game.
Houston Rockets (2013-2016)
Howard signed with the Houston Rockets in 2013. He played three seasons with the team, averaging 16.4 points and 12.1 rebounds per game.
Atlanta Hawks (2016-2017)
In 2016, Howard was traded to the Atlanta Hawks. He played one season with the team, averaging 13.5 points and 12.7 rebounds per game.
Charlotte Hornets (2017-2018)
Howard signed with the Charlotte Hornets in 2017. He played one season with the team, averaging 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.
Washington Wizards (2018-2019)
Howard signed with the Washington Wizards in 2018. He played one season with the team, averaging 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.
Los Angeles Lakers (2019-present)
In 2019, Howard signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. He has played two seasons with the team, averaging 7.5 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
Career Highlights
- Nine-time All-Star
- Eight-time All-NBA Team selection
- Five-time All-Defensive Team selection
- Three-time Defensive Player of the Year
- Two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion
- Led the Orlando Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals
Personal Life
Howard is an active philanthropist and has been involved in several charitable causes. He founded the D12 Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth in Central Florida. He also founded the Dwight D. Howard Foundation, which provides aid to low-income families in the Atlanta area.
Legacy
Howard is considered one of the greatest big men in NBA history. He is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players of all time and is a member of the NBA’s All-Defensive Team. He is also known for his athleticism and dunking ability, and he is a two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion.
Conclusion
Dwight Howard is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has had a successful career, playing for five different teams and being named an All-Star nine times. He has also been involved in numerous charitable causes and is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players of all time.