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 an American professional basketball player. Known as "Superman" early in his career for his athleticism, he achieved significant accolades in the NBA. These include winning an NBA championship, being selected as an All-Star eight times, earning eight All-NBA Team selections, being named to the All-Defensive Team five times, and winning the Defensive Player of the Year award three times. He played center, showcasing rebounding and shot-blocking skills.

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

1962: Wilt Chamberlain's free throw record

In 1962, Wilt Chamberlain set the NBA regular season record of 34 free throws attempted in a game, which Dwight Howard would later break.

2004: Drafted First Overall by Orlando Magic

In 2004, Dwight Howard bypassed college and entered the NBA draft. He was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic.

2004: Named Best High School Player

In 2004, Dwight Howard was recognized as the best American high school basketball player and 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.

November 15, 2005: Recorded 21 Points and 20 Rebounds

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

2005: Named to All-Rookie Team

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

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

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

2006: Played in All 82 Regular Season Games

In the 2006-07 season, Dwight Howard played in all 82 regular season games for the third consecutive season.

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 Most Dominant Center

In December 2007, ESPN writer David Thorpe declared Dwight Howard the most dominant center in the NBA, recognizing his early career potential and impact on the league.

2007: NBA Rebounding Leader

In 2007, Dwight Howard began a streak of leading the NBA in rebounding, showcasing his exceptional athleticism and dominance in the center position.

February 16, 2008: Won NBA Slam Dunk Contest

On February 16, 2008, Dwight Howard won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, wearing a "Superman" cape for one of the dunks.

June 23, 2008: Named to the Olympic Team

On June 23, 2008, Dwight Howard was named as one of the members of the 12-man squad representing the United States in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

2008: Led League in Blocks

In the 2008-09 season, Dwight Howard began leading the league in blocks per game.

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: NBA Playoffs Performance Praised

Following a game in the 2009 NBA Playoffs, Andre Iguodala praised Dwight Howard's defensive abilities, noting his capacity to guard multiple players simultaneously and suggesting the need for rule changes if Howard's athleticism continued to improve.

2009: Won Defensive Player of the Year Award

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

2009: Led Magic to NBA Finals

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

2009: Strong Start to the Season

In the 2009-10 season, the Magic had a strong start, winning 17 of their first 21 games, setting a franchise record.

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: Career Highs in Points and Field Goal Percentage

In the 2010-11 season, Dwight Howard posted career highs in points and field goal percentage.

2011: Won 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 test

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

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.

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 McDonald's All-American

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

November 4, 2015: 23 points and 14 rebounds against the Orlando Magic

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

January 18, 2016: Career-high tying performance

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.

January 13, 2020: Season-high performance

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

2020: Won NBA Finals with Lakers

In 2020, Dwight Howard won the NBA Finals while playing with the Los Angeles Lakers.

February 2023: Named T1 League All-Star

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