Dwight Howard's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Dwight Howard. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Dwight Howard is a former American professional basketball player, known as "Superman" for his athleticism. An NBA champion and eight-time All-Star, Howard has been recognized as one of the league's best, earning eight All-NBA Team selections. He also excelled defensively, securing five All-Defensive Team nods and winning the Defensive Player of the Year award three times.

Sections (4)

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

1962: Wilt Chamberlain's record

On January 12, 2012, Howard broke Wilt Chamberlain's regular-season record of 34 free throws set in 1962.

2004: High School Achievements

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 was also named the Naismith Prep Player of the Year, the Morgan Wootten High School Player of the Year, Gatorade National Player of the Year and the McDonald's National High School Player of the Year. He was co-MVP of the McDonald's All-American Game.

November 15, 2005: Youngest Player with 20/20 Game

On November 15, 2005, Dwight Howard became the youngest player ever to score 20 or more points and gather 20 or more rebounds in the same game.

2005: Led the NBA in Dunks

Dwight Howard led the NBA in dunks for six consecutive seasons, from 2005-06 to 2010-2011.

2005: All-Rookie Team Selection

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

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

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

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 Dominant Center

In December 2007, ESPN writer David Thorpe declared Dwight Howard the most dominant center in the NBA.

2007: Led the NBA in Dunks

Dwight Howard led the NBA in dunks for six consecutive seasons, from 2005-06 to 2010-2011, with a high of 269 dunks in the 2007-2008 season

February 16, 2008: NBA Slam Dunk Contest Winner

On February 16, 2008, Dwight Howard won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest with innovative dunks, including one with a Superman cape, receiving 78% of the fan votes.

2008: Led the NBA in Dunks

Dwight Howard led the NBA in dunks for six consecutive seasons, from 2005-06 to 2010-2011, with a high of 269 dunks in the 2007-2008 season

November 2009: Jefferson Awards Finalist

In November 2009, Dwight Howard was named one of the 10 finalists for the Jefferson Awards for Public Service.

2009: Led Magic to NBA Finals

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

2009: Named NBA Defensive Player of the Year

In 2009, Dwight Howard was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the youngest player to ever win the award. He led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals.

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: NBA Rebounding Leader

Dwight Howard led the NBA in rebounding from 2007 to 2010.

2010: Defensive Player of the Year Award

In the 2010–11 season, Dwight Howard became the first player in league history to win Defensive Player of the Year honors for three consecutive seasons.

2011: Vertical Leap Measured

In 2011, Dwight Howard's running vertical leap was tested at 39.5 inches.

January 12, 2012: Attempted NBA Regular Season Record

On January 12, 2012, Dwight Howard attempted an NBA regular season record 39 free throws against the Golden State Warriors, making 21 of them.

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

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

January 31, 2012: Honored as One of the Greatest McDonald's All-Americans

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

2012: NBA Rebounding Leader

Dwight Howard led the NBA in rebounding again from 2012 to 2013.

2013: NBA Rebounding Leader

Dwight Howard led the NBA in rebounding again from 2012 to 2013.

November 4, 2015: Howard Achieves 23 Points and 14 Rebounds Against Orlando Magic

On November 4, 2015, Dwight Howard scored 23 points and had 14 rebounds against the Orlando Magic, shooting 10-of-10, becoming the first Rocket to make 10 or more field goals without a miss since Yao Ming in 2009.

January 18, 2016: Howard Records 36 Points and 26 Rebounds

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

2020: Won NBA Championship with Lakers

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

February 2023: Howard Named T1 League All-Star

In February 2023, Dwight Howard was named an All-Star for the T1 League, All-Star Game Most Famous Player, and selected to participate in the Three-Point Contest.

May 10, 2023: Howard Selected to T1 League All-Defensive First Team

On May 10, 2023, Dwight Howard was selected to the T1 League All-Defensive First Team for the 2022–23 season.

2025: Howard to be Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2025, Dwight Howard was chosen to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as an individual player and also as a member of the 2008 United States men's Olympic basketball team.