Early Life and Education of Dwight Howard: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Dwight Howard, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

December 8, 1985: Dwight Howard's Birth

On December 8, 1985, Dwight David Howard II was born. He would later become a professional basketball player known as "Superman."

Others born on this day/year

1995: Inspired by Kevin Garnett

In 1995, Kevin Garnett's decision to forego college inspired Dwight Howard to declare for the 2004 NBA draft.

2004: Named Best High School Player

In 2004, Dwight Howard was recognized as the best American high school basketball player and 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.

2004: Appeared in ESPN NBA 2K5

Starting in 2004 with ESPN NBA 2K5, Dwight Howard appeared in every entry of the NBA 2K series of basketball simulation video games up until 2021. He also appeared in every NBA Live entry from 2005 onwards until the series was canceled in 2018.

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.

2011: Guest Star on The Suite Life on Deck

In 2011, Dwight Howard played himself on an episode of The Suite Life on Deck, along with fellow NBA players Deron Williams and Kevin Love.

2011: Vertical leap test

In 2011, Dwight Howard's running vertical leap was tested at 39.5 inches (100 cm), highlighting his rare athleticism for a player of his size.

January 31, 2012: Honored as McDonald's All-American

On January 31, 2012, Dwight Howard was honored as one of the 35 greatest McDonald's All-Americans.

April 19, 2012: Underwent Back Surgery

On April 19, 2012, Dwight Howard's agent announced that Howard would undergo surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back and would miss the rest of the 2011–12 season and the 2012 Summer Olympics.

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.

July 13, 2013: Signed with the Houston Rockets

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

2014: Featured in Epix Documentary

In 2014, Epix featured Dwight Howard as the focal point of a documentary about his life called In the Moment.

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.

2018: NBA Live series canceled

Dwight Howard's appearances in the NBA Live series of video games ended in 2018 when the series was canceled following NBA Live 19.

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.

March 27, 2020: Death of Melissa Rios

On March 27, 2020, Melissa Rios, the mother of Dwight Howard's son David, died following an epileptic seizure. David was with Howard at his home in Georgia at the time.

November 21, 2020: Signed with the Philadelphia 76ers

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

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: Appeared in NBA 2K22

Dwight Howard's appearances in the NBA 2K series of video games ended in 2021 with NBA 2K22.

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.

2023: Finished Third on Special Forces: World's Toughest Test

In 2023, Dwight Howard finished third on Special Forces: World's Toughest Test.

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March 1, 2024: Briefly signed with Mets de Guaynabo

On March 1, 2024, Dwight Howard briefly signed with the Mets de Guaynabo of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional, but never played for them.

September 4, 2024: Competed on Dancing with the Stars

On September 4, 2024, Dwight Howard competed on the thirty-third season of Dancing with the Stars, paired with Daniella Karagach.

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2024: Appeared in Netflix Docu-Series Somebody Feed Phil

In 2024, Dwight Howard appeared as a guest in the 'Taipei' episode of Netflix docu-series Somebody Feed Phil. Dining with Philip Rosenthal, Howard discussed his charity work and the cultural shock he experienced upon moving to Taiwan, while enjoying Taiwanese and Hong Kong cuisine.