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, nicknamed "Superman", is a former American professional basketball player. He is an NBA champion, eight-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA Team selectee, five-time All-Defensive Team member, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Known for his athleticism and defensive capabilities, Howard established himself as a dominant center during his prime in the NBA.

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 for his athletic abilities and nicknamed "Superman".

Others born on this day/year

1995: Inspiration from Kevin Garnett

In 1995, Kevin Garnett's decision to go straight to the NBA inspired Dwight Howard to do the same after high school.

2004: High School Success and Awards

In 2004, Dwight Howard led his high school team to a 31–2 record and the state title. He was recognized as the best American high school basketball player and received multiple awards, including 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: Established the Dwight D. Howard Foundation

In 2004, Dwight Howard, along with his parents, established the Dwight D. Howard Foundation Inc. to contribute to philanthropy.

2004: Debut in NBA 2K and NBA Live series

Starting in 2004 with ESPN NBA 2K5 and NBA Live 2005, Dwight Howard appeared in every entry of the NBA 2K and NBA Live series of basketball simulation video games throughout his NBA career.

2005: Debut in NBA 2K and NBA Live series

Starting in 2004 with ESPN NBA 2K5 and NBA Live 2005, Dwight Howard appeared in every entry of the NBA 2K and NBA Live series of basketball simulation video games throughout his NBA career.

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

On April 2, 2006, Dwight Howard appeared as a special guest on an episode of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, assisting in the construction of a new home and ministry offices for Sadie Holmes.

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2010: Won Defamation Judgment Against Royce Reed

In 2010, Dwight Howard won a defamation judgment against Royce Reed, the mother of his oldest child, after she violated a court order by mentioning him in the media.

2011: Guest Appearance on The Suite Life on Deck

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

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April 19, 2012: Howard to Undergo Back Surgery

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

August 10, 2012: Howard Traded 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 involving the Philadelphia 76ers and the Denver Nuggets. Howard had limited preparation due to back surgery recovery.

January 4, 2013: Howard Injured Right Shoulder

On January 4, 2013, Dwight Howard injured his right shoulder during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers. At the midpoint of the season, the Lakers' record was 17–24.

July 13, 2013: Howard Signs with the Houston Rockets

On July 13, 2013, Dwight Howard signed a four-year, $88 million contract with the Houston Rockets. He teamed up with James Harden to form a formidable duo.

October 2014: Police Investigated Abuse Claims

In October 2014, police in Cobb County, Georgia, investigated claims by Royce Reed that Dwight Howard abused their son. Howard admitted to hitting Braylon with a belt but was not charged.

2014: Tweeted 'Free Palestine' and Removed It

During the 2014 Gaza war, Dwight Howard tweeted "Free Palestine", but NBA commissioner Adam Silver immediately told him to remove the tweet and apologize.

2014: Featured in Epix Documentary 'In the Moment'

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

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June 22, 2016: Howard Declines Player Option

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

July 12, 2016: Howard Signs with 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: Hawks Trade Howard to 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 in exchange for Marco Belinelli, Miles Plumlee and the 41st overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft.

July 6, 2018: Howard Traded to and Waived by 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. He was waived by the Nets immediately after being acquired.

July 12, 2018: Howard Signs with Wizards

On July 12, 2018, Dwight Howard signed a two-year, $10.9 million contract with the Washington Wizards.

2018: NBA Live series canceled

Dwight Howard appeared in every NBA Live entry from 2004's NBA Live 2005 onwards until the series was canceled in 2018 following NBA Live 19

April 18, 2019: Howard Exercises Player Option

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: Howard Traded to Grizzlies

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

August 24, 2019: Howard Waived by Grizzlies

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

August 26, 2019: Howard Re-Signs with Lakers

On August 26, 2019, Dwight Howard signed a $2.6 million veteran's minimum contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, reuniting with his former team. He replaced DeMarcus Cousins, who was injured. Howard offered to sign a non-guaranteed contract to demonstrate his commitment.

2019: Engaged to Te'a Cooper

In 2019, Dwight Howard became engaged to WNBA basketball player Te'a Cooper.

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: Howard Signs with 76ers

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

August 6, 2021: Howard Signs with Lakers Again

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

2021: Final Appearance in NBA 2K

Dwight Howard appeared in every entry of the NBA 2K series of basketball simulation video games up until 2021's NBA 2K22, totaling 18 entries and covering his entire NBA career.

2021: Parted Ways with Te'a Cooper

In 2021, Dwight Howard and Te'a Cooper ended their relationship.

November 7, 2022: Howard Signs with 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, featuring collectible jerseys and pairs of shoes worn by Howard. Beneficiaries included CountryEDU Charity Foundation and the Good Shepherd Social Welfare foundation.

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: Howard 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 he never played for them.

May 30, 2024: Howard Joins Taiwan Mustangs

On May 30, 2024, Dwight Howard joined the Taiwan Mustangs of The Asian Tournament (TAT).

August 2024: Lawsuit Dismissed with Prejudice

In August 2024, the lawsuit against Dwight Howard for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and false imprisonment was dismissed with prejudice.

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: Announced Engagement to Amy Luciani

In 2024, Dwight Howard announced his engagement to rapper and reality star Amy Luciani.

2024: Guest Appearance on Somebody Feed Phil

In 2024, Dwight Howard appeared as a guest in the "Taipei" episode of the Netflix docu-series Somebody Feed Phil, discussing his charity work and experiencing Taiwanese and Hong Kong cuisine.

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