Career Timeline of Dwight Howard: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Dwight Howard made an impact.

Dwight Howard is an American professional basketball player. Known as "Superman" early in his career for his athleticism, he achieved significant accolades in the NBA. These include winning an NBA championship, being selected as an All-Star eight times, earning eight All-NBA Team selections, being named to the All-Defensive Team five times, and winning the Defensive Player of the Year award three times. He played center, showcasing rebounding and shot-blocking skills.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2004: Drafted First Overall by Orlando Magic

In 2004, Dwight Howard bypassed college and entered the NBA draft. He was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic.

2004: Selected First Overall in NBA Draft

In 2004, the Orlando Magic selected Dwight Howard first overall in the NBA draft.

November 15, 2005: Recorded 21 Points and 20 Rebounds

On November 15, 2005, Dwight Howard recorded 21 points and 20 rebounds against the Charlotte Bobcats, becoming the youngest player to achieve this feat.

2005: Named to All-Rookie Team

In 2005, Dwight Howard was unanimously selected to the NBA All-Rookie Team.

April 2, 2006: Guest Appearance on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

On April 2, 2006, Dwight Howard made a special guest appearance on an episode of the ABC series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, where he assisted Ty Pennington and his team in building a new home and ministry offices for Sadie Holmes in Orlando.

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2006: Played in Rookie Challenge

Dwight Howard played on the Sophomore Team in the 2006 Rookie Challenge during the All-Star break.

2006: Played in All 82 Regular Season Games

In the 2006-07 season, Dwight Howard played in all 82 regular season games for the third consecutive season.

February 1, 2007: First NBA All-Star Selection

On February 1, 2007, Dwight Howard received his first NBA All-Star selection as a reserve on the Eastern Conference squad.

December 2007: Declared Most Dominant Center

In December 2007, ESPN writer David Thorpe declared Dwight Howard the most dominant center in the NBA, recognizing his early career potential and impact on the league.

2007: Impressive Numbers for Magic

Dwight Howard continued to post impressive numbers in the 2007-08 season and helped the Magic have their best season to date.

2007: NBA Rebounding Leader

In 2007, Dwight Howard began a streak of leading the NBA in rebounding, showcasing his exceptional athleticism and dominance in the center position.

February 16, 2008: Won NBA Slam Dunk Contest

On February 16, 2008, Dwight Howard won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, wearing a "Superman" cape for one of the dunks.

2008: Led League in Blocks

In the 2008-09 season, Dwight Howard began leading the league in blocks per game.

November 2009: Jefferson Awards Finalist

In November 2009, Dwight Howard was named one of the 10 finalists for the Jefferson Awards for Public Service, recognizing athletes for their charitable work.

2009: NBA Playoffs Performance Praised

Following a game in the 2009 NBA Playoffs, Andre Iguodala praised Dwight Howard's defensive abilities, noting his capacity to guard multiple players simultaneously and suggesting the need for rule changes if Howard's athleticism continued to improve.

2009: Won Defensive Player of the Year Award

In 2009, Dwight Howard became the youngest player ever to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.

2009: Led Magic to NBA Finals

In 2009, Dwight Howard led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals.

2009: Strong Start to the Season

In the 2009-10 season, the Magic had a strong start, winning 17 of their first 21 games, setting a franchise record.

January 21, 2010: Named All-Star Starter

On January 21, 2010, Dwight Howard was named as the starting center for the East in the 2010 NBA All-Star Game.

2010: Career Highs in Points and Field Goal Percentage

In the 2010-11 season, Dwight Howard posted career highs in points and field goal percentage.

2011: Won Third Consecutive Defensive Player of the Year

In 2011, Dwight Howard became the first player in league history to win Defensive Player of the Year honors for three consecutive seasons.

2011: Demanded Trade From Orlando Magic

In 2011, Dwight Howard demanded a trade from the Orlando Magic to the New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, or Dallas Mavericks.

January 12, 2012: Attempted Record 39 Free Throws

On January 12, 2012, Dwight Howard attempted an NBA regular season record 39 free throws against the Golden State Warriors.

January 24, 2012: Magic's All-Time Scoring Leader

On January 24, 2012, Dwight Howard became the Orlando Magic's all-time scoring leader.

March 15, 2012: Waived Right to Opt Out of Contract

On March 15, 2012, Dwight Howard waived his right to opt out of his contract and committed to stay with the Magic through the 2012–13 season.

August 10, 2012: Trade to the Los Angeles Lakers

On August 10, 2012, Dwight Howard was traded from the Orlando Magic to the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a deal involving the Philadelphia 76ers and the Denver Nuggets.

2012: Traded to the Los Angeles Lakers

In 2012, after eight seasons with the Orlando Magic, Dwight Howard was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

July 13, 2013: Signed with the Houston Rockets

On July 13, 2013, Dwight Howard signed with the Houston Rockets, teaming up with James Harden.

June 22, 2016: Declined player option and became a free agent

On June 22, 2016, Dwight Howard declined his $23 million player option for the 2016–17 season, becoming an unrestricted free agent.

July 12, 2016: Signed with the Atlanta Hawks

On July 12, 2016, Dwight Howard signed a three-year, $70 million contract with his hometown team, the Atlanta Hawks.

June 20, 2017: Traded to the Charlotte Hornets

On June 20, 2017, Dwight Howard was traded by the Hawks to the Charlotte Hornets.

July 6, 2018: Traded to the Brooklyn Nets and waived

On July 6, 2018, Dwight Howard was traded to the Brooklyn Nets and was immediately waived upon being acquired.

July 12, 2018: Signed with the Washington Wizards

On July 12, 2018, Dwight Howard signed with the Washington Wizards.

April 18, 2019: Exercised player option with Wizards

On April 18, 2019, Dwight Howard exercised his $5.6 million player option to play a second season with the Washington Wizards.

July 6, 2019: Traded to the Memphis Grizzlies

On July 6, 2019, Dwight Howard was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

August 24, 2019: Waived by the Grizzlies

On August 24, 2019, Dwight Howard was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies.

August 26, 2019: Signed with the Los Angeles Lakers

On August 26, 2019, Dwight Howard signed a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, marking his return to the team.

November 21, 2020: Signed with the Philadelphia 76ers

On November 21, 2020, Dwight Howard signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.

2020: Won NBA Finals with Lakers

In 2020, Dwight Howard won the NBA Finals while playing with the Los Angeles Lakers.

August 6, 2021: Signed with the Los Angeles Lakers

On August 6, 2021, Dwight Howard signed a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers for another stint with the team.

2021: Signed with Taoyuan Leopards

In 2021, Dwight Howard signed with the Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 League.

November 7, 2022: Signed with the Taoyuan Leopards

On November 7, 2022, Dwight Howard signed with the Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 League in Taiwan.

2022: Charitable Auction on 37th Birthday

On his 37th birthday in 2022, Dwight Howard raised over NT$3 million (US$97,969) with a charitable auction, including collectible jerseys and pairs of shoes, benefiting CountryEDU Charity Foundation and the Good Shepherd Social Welfare foundation. He also visited schools to interact with students and inspire them to pursue their passion.