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, famously nicknamed "Superman." His distinguished career includes an NBA championship, eight All-Star selections, eight All-NBA Team honors, five All-Defensive Team selections, and three Defensive Player of the Year awards. He's recognized for his athletic abilities and defensive skills.

Sections (4)

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

1962: Wilt Chamberlain's Record

On January 12, 2012, Dwight Howard attempted an NBA regular season record 39 free throws against the Golden State Warriors breaking Wilt Chamberlain's regular-season record of 34 set in 1962.

2004: High School Successes

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 as a senior. He received multiple awards, including the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award, Morgan Wootten High School Player of the Year Award, Gatorade National Player of the Year, and McDonald's National High School Player of the Year honor.

November 15, 2005: Youngest to 20 Points and 20 Rebounds

On November 15, 2005, Dwight Howard recorded 21 points and 20 rebounds against the Charlotte Bobcats, becoming the youngest player ever to achieve this feat.

2005: Led the NBA in Dunks

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

2005: Selected to All-Rookie Team

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

2006: All-NBA Third Team Selection

At the end of the 2006–07 campaign, Dwight Howard was named to the All-NBA Third Team.

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: Named Most Dominant Center in the NBA

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: Won NBA Slam Dunk Contest

On February 16, 2008, Dwight Howard won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, receiving 78% of the fan votes by text messaging or online voting. He donned a Superman cape for one of his dunks.

June 23, 2008: Named to the US 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: 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.

2008: Leading League in Blocks

In the 2008-09 NBA season, after ten games, Dwight Howard was leading the league in blocks per game (4.2).

November 2009: Finalist for Jefferson Awards for Public Service

In November 2009, Dwight Howard was named one of the 10 finalists for the Jefferson Awards for Public Service, which recognizes athletes for their charitable work.

2009: Led Magic to NBA Finals and Won Defensive Player of the Year

In 2009, Dwight Howard led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals for the first time in 14 years and was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He earned a record 3.1 million votes to earn the starting berth on the Eastern Conference team for the NBA All-Star Game.

2009: Led Magic to NBA Finals

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

2010: NBA Rebounding Leader

In 2010, Dwight Howard led the NBA in rebounding for the fourth consecutive year, continuing his streak from 2007 to 2010.

2010: Defensive Player of the Year Award

In the 2010-11 NBA season, Dwight Howard won the Defensive Player of the Year Award for the second straight year.

2011: Vertical Leap Measurement

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

2011: Third Defensive Player of the Year

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

January 12, 2012: Attempted 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. He finished the game with 45 points and 23 rebounds in the Magic's victory.

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

In 2012, Dwight Howard once again led the NBA in rebounding, continuing his dominance in this statistical category.

2013: NBA Rebounding Leader

In 2013, Dwight Howard led the NBA in rebounding, marking his last year in his second rebounding leadership streak.

November 4, 2015: 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, achieving a perfect 10-for-10 shooting record. This feat marked him as the first Rocket to achieve 10 or more field goals without a miss since Yao Ming in 2009.

January 18, 2016: 36 points and career high 26 rebounds

On January 18, 2016, Dwight Howard scored 36 points and tied a career high with 26 rebounds in an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. This performance marked his 10th straight double-double, which was the league's longest active streak at the time.

January 13, 2020: Season-High Performance

On January 13, 2020, Dwight Howard scored a season-high 21 points and secured a season-high 15 rebounds for the Los Angeles Lakers.

2020: Won NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2020, Dwight Howard won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

February 2023: Named T1 League All-Star and Three-Point Contest Participant

In February 2023, Dwight Howard was named an All-Star for the T1 League and participated in the Three-Point Contest.

May 10, 2023: T1 League All-Defensive First Team Selection

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

2025: Elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2025, Dwight Howard was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame both as an individual player and as a member of the Redeem Team.

2025: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction

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