A closer look at the biggest achievements of Dwight Howard. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
Dwight Howard is a celebrated American professional basketball player, known as "Superman" for his athleticism. His career highlights include an NBA championship, eight All-Star selections, eight All-NBA Team recognitions, five All-Defensive Team selections, and three Defensive Player of the Year awards, marking him as one of the dominant centers of his era.
In 1962, Wilt Chamberlain set the NBA regular-season record of 34 free throw attempts, which Dwight Howard broke in 2012.
In 2004, Dwight Howard received several 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.
In 2004, Dwight Howard was drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic after forgoing college.
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.
In 2005, Dwight Howard was unanimously selected to the NBA All-Rookie Team after averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds in his rookie season.
On March 5, 2006, Howard was named to the 2006–2008 USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team program.
In 2006, Dwight Howard was selected to play on the Sophomore Team in the 2006 Rookie Challenge during the All-Star break.
On February 1, 2007, Dwight Howard received his first NBA All-Star selection as a reserve on the Eastern Conference squad.
In December 2007, ESPN writer David Thorpe declared Dwight Howard the most dominant center in the NBA, acknowledging his skills and impact on the court.
On February 16, 2008, Dwight Howard won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
On June 23, 2008, Howard was named to the 12-man squad representing the United States in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
During the 2008-09 season, Dwight Howard began leading the league in blocks per game.
In November 2009, Dwight Howard was named one of the 10 finalists for the Jefferson Awards for Public Service, recognizing his charitable work and contributions.
In 2009, Dwight Howard became the youngest player ever to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.
In 2009, after an NBA Playoffs game, Andre Iguodala praised Howard's defensive abilities, stating he could guard two players at once, highlighting Howard's exceptional athleticism.
On January 21, 2010, Dwight Howard was named as the starting center for the East in the 2010 NBA All-Star Game.
During 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.
In 2011, Dwight Howard had a playoff career-high 46 points and 19 rebounds in Orlando's 103-93 loss to Atlanta in Game 1.
On January 12, 2012, Dwight Howard attempted an NBA regular season record 39 free throws against the Golden State Warriors.
On January 24, 2012, Dwight Howard became the Orlando Magic's all-time scoring leader.
On January 31, 2012, Dwight Howard was honored as one of the 35 greatest McDonald's All-Americans.
In 2014, Howard missed games due to a strained right knee, later recording his 10,000th career rebound upon returning and the Rockets clinched their first division title in over 20 years.
On November 4, 2015, Howard scored 23 points and had 14 rebounds against the Orlando Magic, shooting 10-of-10 and becoming the first Rocket since Yao Ming in 2009 to achieve such a feat.
On January 18, 2016, Howard had 36 points and tied a career high with 26 rebounds in an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, marking his 10th straight double-double.
On January 13, 2020, Howard scored a season-high 21 points and got 15 rebounds in a game with the Lakers.
In February 2023, Howard was named an All-Star for the T1 League, was named the All-Star Game Most Famous Player, and participated in the Three-Point Contest.
On May 10, 2023, Dwight Howard was selected to the T1 League All-Defensive First Team for the 2022–23 season.
In August 2024, the lawsuit against Dwight Howard for assault, battery, and emotional distress was dismissed with prejudice.