Career Timeline of Dwight Howard: Major Achievements and Milestones

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

Dwight Howard, nicknamed "Superman," is a former American professional basketball player. He achieved significant accolades, including an NBA championship, eight All-Star selections, eight All-NBA Team selections, five All-Defensive Team selections, and three Defensive Player of the Year awards. Howard was known for his athleticism and defensive skills.

Sections (4)

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

2004: Declared for the NBA Draft

In 2004, Dwight Howard declared for the NBA draft and was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic.

2004: High School Successes and Awards

In 2004, Dwight Howard led his team to a 31–2 record and the state title, averaging 25 points, 18 rebounds, 8.1 blocks and 3.5 assists per game. He 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. He was also co-MVP of the McDonald's All-American Game that year.

2004: Drafted by the Orlando Magic

In 2004, Dwight Howard, having forgone college, was selected first overall in the NBA draft by the Orlando Magic.

2004: Establishment of the Dwight D. Howard Foundation Inc.

In 2004, Dwight Howard, together with his parents, established the Dwight D. Howard Foundation Inc. to support his philanthropic efforts.

March 5, 2006: Named to USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team

On March 5, 2006, Dwight Howard was named to the 2006–2008 USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team program.

April 2, 2006: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Appearance

On April 2, 2006, Dwight Howard made a special guest appearance on an episode of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". 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 on the Sophomore Team

Dwight Howard was selected to play on the Sophomore Team in the 2006 Rookie Challenge during the All-Star break.

2006: Played in all Regular-Season Games

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

December 2007: David Thorpe Declares Howard Most Dominant Center

In December 2007, ESPN writer David Thorpe declared Dwight Howard the most dominant center in the NBA, highlighting his early career promise.

2007: Continued Posting Impressive Numbers

Dwight Howard continued posting 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.

June 23, 2008: Named to 2008 Olympic Team

On June 23, 2008, Dwight Howard was named to the 12-man squad representing the United States in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

2008: Began the Season Leading in Blocks Per Game

The 2008–09 season began well for Dwight Howard. Ten games into the 2008 season, he was leading the league in blocks per game (4.2).

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 Game Praise

Following a game in the 2009 NBA Playoffs, Andre Iguodala remarked on Dwight Howard's exceptional defensive abilities, stating he could effectively guard two players at once.

2009: Led the Magic to the NBA Finals

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

2009: The Magic got off to a strong start

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.

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 at the end of the season 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 in a deal also involving the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets.

2012: NBA Rebounding Leader

In 2012, Dwight Howard once again led the NBA in rebounding.

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: Signing with the Houston Rockets

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

2013: NBA Rebounding Leader

In 2013, Dwight Howard continued to dominate, leading the NBA in rebounding for the last time.

November 4, 2015: 23 points and 14 rebounds against the Orlando Magic

On November 4, 2015, Dwight Howard scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds against the Orlando Magic. He made all 10 of his field goal attempts, becoming the first Rocket to make 10 or more field goals without a miss since Yao Ming did it in 2009.

January 18, 2016: 36 points and 26 rebounds vs Los Angeles Clippers

On January 18, 2016, in an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Dwight Howard scored 36 points and tied a career-high with 26 rebounds, achieving his 10th consecutive double-double.

June 22, 2016: Declined player option with Rockets

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, the Atlanta Hawks traded Dwight Howard, along with the 31st overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, to the Charlotte Hornets.

July 6, 2018: Traded to Brooklyn Nets

On July 6, 2018, Dwight 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.

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 Memphis Grizzlies

On July 6, 2019, Dwight Howard was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies for forward C. J. Miles.

August 24, 2019: Waived by the Grizzlies

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

August 26, 2019: Signed with Los Angeles Lakers

On August 26, 2019, Dwight Howard signed a $2.6 million veteran's minimum contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, marking his return to the team.

January 13, 2020: Season-high 21 points against opponent

On January 13, 2020, Dwight Howard scored a season-high 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting and had a season-high 15 rebounds.

November 21, 2020: Signed with the Philadelphia 76ers

On November 21, 2020, Dwight Howard signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers worth $2,564,753.

2020: NBA Championship with the Lakers

In 2020, Dwight Howard won an NBA championship as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

August 6, 2021: Signed with the Los Angeles Lakers

On August 6, 2021, Dwight Howard signed a $2.6 million veteran's minimum contract with the Los Angeles Lakers for a third stint with the team.

2021: Signed with the Taoyuan Leopards

In 2021, after the 2021–22 NBA season, Dwight Howard moved overseas and 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 after being unable to secure a roster spot in the NBA.

2022: Charitable Auction for Birthday

On his 37th birthday in 2022, Dwight Howard raised over NT$3 million (US$97,969) with a charitable auction, featuring collectible jerseys and shoes. Proceeds went to the CountryEDU Charity Foundation and the Good Shepherd Social Welfare foundation.