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, 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

1962: Broke Wilt Chamberlain's record of 34 free throws

Dwight Howard broke Wilt Chamberlain's record of 34 free throws set in 1962.

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.

November 15, 2005: Youngest to score 20+ points and 20+ rebounds in a 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, recording 21 points and 20 rebounds against the Charlotte Bobcats.

2005: Selected to All-Rookie Team

In 2005, Dwight Howard was selected to play in the 2005 NBA Rookie Challenge, was unanimously selected to the All-Rookie Team, and finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting.

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 for the 2007 NBA All-Star Game.

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: NBA Rebounding Leader

In 2007, Dwight Howard began a streak of leading the NBA in rebounding.

February 16, 2008: Won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest

On February 16, 2008, Dwight Howard won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest by receiving 78% of the fan's votes, he rejuvenated the contest with innovative dunks, including wearing a Superman cape.

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: Named Defensive Player of the Year

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

2009: Led the Magic to the NBA Finals

In 2009, Dwight Howard 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: Won Defensive Player of the Year Award

In 2010, Dwight Howard won the Defensive Player of the Year Award for the second straight year and became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in blocks and rebounds in the same season twice—and for two years in a row.

2011: Won Defensive Player of the Year Honors for the Third Consecutive Season

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

2011: Vertical Leap Test

In 2011, Dwight Howard's running vertical leap was tested at 39.5 inches, demonstrating his exceptional athleticism for a player of his size.

January 12, 2012: Attempted a Record 39 Free Throws

On January 12, 2012, Dwight Howard attempted an NBA regular season record 39 free throws against the Golden State Warriors, making 21 of them and finishing with 45 points and 23 rebounds.

January 24, 2012: Became the 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 35 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

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

2013: NBA Rebounding Leader

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

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.

2020: NBA Championship with the Lakers

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

February 2023: Named T1 League All-Star and All-Star Game Most Famous Player

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

May 10, 2023: Selected to the 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: Induction into the 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 as a member of the 2008 United States men's Olympic basketball team.