Dwight Howard has been one of the most recognizable faces in the NBA since he burst onto the scene in 2004. The Orlando Magic drafted him first overall and he quickly established himself as one of the most dominant big men in the league. He is a six-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA team selection, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Howard has been playing basketball professionally for 16 years and is currently a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. In this article, we will explore how long Dwight Howard has been playing basketball and the impact he has had on the game.
Early Life and Career
Dwight Howard was born in 1985 in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in a single-parent household and developed a passion for basketball at an early age. He attended Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy and became one of the most sought-after high school players in the country. After graduating high school, Howard decided to forgo college and declare for the 2004 NBA draft. He was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic and began his professional basketball career in the 2004-05 season.
Rise to Stardom
Howard quickly established himself as one of the best players in the league. He made the All-Rookie team in his first season and led the Magic to the playoffs in his second. Howard was named an All-Star for the first time in 2007 and was selected to the All-NBA team for the first time in 2008. He was also selected as the Defensive Player of the Year for the first time in 2009. He continued to be a dominant force in the league until he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012.
Playing Style
Howard is known for his athleticism, strength, and defensive prowess. He is an exceptional rebounder and shot blocker and is one of the most dominant rim protectors in the league. Howard is also a proficient scorer and can finish around the rim with both hands. He is a great pick-and-roll player and is an excellent passer for a big man. His physicality and tenaciousness on defense make him a difficult player to guard.
Success with the Lakers
Howard signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012 and immediately made an impact. He won the Defensive Player of the Year award for the third time in his career and led the Lakers to the playoffs in his first season. He was an All-Star in 2013 and helped the Lakers reach the Western Conference Finals in 2013. Howard eventually left the Lakers in 2013 and signed with the Houston Rockets.
Time with the Rockets
Howard spent three seasons with the Houston Rockets and was a key contributor to the team’s success. He was a two-time All-Star with the Rockets and helped the team reach the Western Conference Finals in 2015. He left the Rockets in 2016 and signed with his hometown Atlanta Hawks.
Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards
Howard spent one season with the Atlanta Hawks and one season with the Washington Wizards. He was an All-Star with the Hawks in 2017 and helped the Wizards reach the playoffs in 2018. He left the Wizards in 2019 and signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Second Stint with the Lakers
Howard returned to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2019-20 season and has been a key contributor to the team’s success. He is averaging 7.5 points and 7.4 rebounds per game and is shooting an impressive 58.4% from the field. He has helped the Lakers reach the NBA Finals and is a major factor in the team’s success.
Legacy
Dwight Howard has been playing basketball professionally for 16 years and has established himself as one of the best players in the league. He is a six-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA team selection, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. He is a dominant force on the court and has had a major impact on the game of basketball.
Conclusion
Dwight Howard has been one of the most dominant players in the NBA since he entered the league in 2004. He is a six-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA team selection, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Howard has been playing basketball professionally for 16 years and is currently a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. His physicality, athleticism, and defensive prowess make him a difficult player to guard and he has had a major impact on the game of basketball.