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 professional basketball player, known as "Superman" for his athleticism. He is an NBA champion, eight-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA Team selection, five-time All-Defensive Team member, and a three-time Defensive Player of the Year. He had a successful career marked by individual accolades and an NBA championship.

Sections (4)

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

1962: Broke Wilt Chamberlain's Record

In January 12, 2012, Howard broke Wilt Chamberlain's regular-season record of 34 attempted 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 as a senior. That same year, he received multiple recognitions, 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.

November 15, 2005: Youngest Player with 20+ Points and 20+ Rebounds

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: Led the NBA in Dunks

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

2005: NBA Rookie Season

In 2005, during his rookie season, Dwight Howard averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds, setting several NBA records. He was also selected to play in the 2005 NBA Rookie Challenge and was unanimously selected to the All-Rookie Team.

March 5, 2006: Howard Named to USA Basketball Team

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 for the 2007 NBA All-Star Game.

December 2007: David Thorpe Declares Howard Most Dominant Center

In December 2007, ESPN writer David Thorpe proclaimed 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

2007: Impressive Numbers and Team Success

In the 2007-08 season, Howard continued posting impressive numbers and helped the Magic have their best season to date.

February 16, 2008: NBA Slam Dunk Contest Winner

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

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: League Leader in Blocks

In the 2008-09 season, Dwight Howard began leading the league in blocks per game with 4.2 ten games into the season.

November 2009: Nomination for Jefferson Awards

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

2009: Defensive Player of the Year

In 2009, Dwight Howard was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the youngest player ever to win the award. The Magic also reached the NBA Finals, but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.

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

In 2010, Dwight Howard led the NBA in rebounding.

2010: Defensive Player of the Year

In 2010, Dwight Howard won the Defensive Player of the Year Award for the second straight year and posted career highs in points and field goal percentage.

2011: Third Consecutive Defensive Player of the Year

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 Measurement

In 2011, Dwight Howard's running vertical leap was measured at 39.5 inches, showcasing his exceptional athleticism.

January 12, 2012: Attempted Record 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 in the Magic's victory.

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

On January 24, 2012, Dwight Howard became the 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 led the NBA in rebounding.

2013: NBA Rebounding Leader

In 2013, Dwight Howard led the NBA in rebounding.

November 4, 2015: Howard Scores 23 Points and 14 Rebounds

On November 4, 2015, Dwight Howard scored 23 points and had 14 rebounds against the Orlando Magic, making all 10 of his field goal attempts. He became the first Rocket to achieve this since Yao Ming in 2009.

January 18, 2016: Howard Scores 36 Points and Ties Career High in 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, marking his 10th consecutive double-double.