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 recognition in the NBA, including being an NBA champion, an eight-time All-Star, and eight-time All-NBA Team selection. Furthermore, he was a five-time All-Defensive Team member and secured the Defensive Player of the Year award three times, solidifying his reputation as a dominant force in the league.

Sections (4)

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

1962: Wilt Chamberlain's Record

In 1962, Wilt Chamberlain set the NBA regular-season record for free throws attempted in a game with 34.

2004: High School Successes

In 2004, Dwight Howard led his team to a 31-2 record and the state title, while averaging 25 points, 18 rebounds, 8.1 blocks and 3.5 assists per game. He was recognized as the best American high school basketball player, receiving 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.

November 15, 2005: Youngest Player with 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 reach those numbers in the same game.

2005: Impactful Rookie Season

In 2005, Dwight Howard finished his rookie season with an average of 12 points and 10 rebounds, setting several NBA records. He was selected to play in the NBA Rookie Challenge and was unanimously selected to the All-Rookie 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: Howard Declared Most Dominant Center

In December 2007, ESPN writer David Thorpe declared Dwight Howard the most dominant center in the NBA.

February 16, 2008: NBA Slam Dunk Contest Win

On February 16, 2008, Dwight Howard won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, performing innovative dunks, including donning a Superman cape.

June 23, 2008: Named to 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: Dunks streak

In 2007-2008, Dwight Howard had a high of 269 dunks.

November 2009: Jefferson Awards Finalist

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

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

In 2009, Dwight Howard led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, becoming the youngest player ever to win the award.

2009: Led Orlando Magic to NBA Finals

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

2010: Led the NBA in Rebounding

From 2007 to 2010, Dwight Howard led the NBA in rebounding.

2010: Defensive Player of the Year

In the 2010-11 season, Howard posted career highs in points and field goal percentage. He became the first player in league history to win Defensive Player of the Year honors for three consecutive seasons.

2011: Vertical Leap Tested

In 2011, Dwight Howard's running vertical leap was tested at 39.5 inches (100 cm).

January 12, 2012: NBA Record 39 Free Throw Attempts

On January 12, 2012, Dwight Howard attempted an NBA regular season record 39 free throws against the Golden State Warriors, breaking Wilt Chamberlain's record of 34 set in 1962. He made 21 of the attempts, finishing with 45 points and 23 rebounds.

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 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: Led the NBA in Rebounding

From 2012 to 2013, Dwight Howard led the NBA in rebounding.

2013: Led the NBA in Rebounding

From 2012 to 2013, Dwight Howard led the NBA in rebounding.

November 4, 2015: Howard's Performance Against Orlando Magic

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

January 18, 2016: Howard Ties Career High in Rebounds

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

2020: NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers

In 2020, Dwight Howard won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers during one of his stints with the team.

February 2023: Howard Named T1 League All-Star and MVP

In February 2023, Dwight Howard was named an All-Star for the T1 League, the All-Star Game Most Famous Player, and participated in the Three-Point Contest, where he scored 37 points and was named All-Star Game MVP.

May 10, 2023: Howard Selected to 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.

August 2024: Lawsuit Dismissed

In August 2024, the lawsuit against Dwight Howard for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and false imprisonment was dismissed with prejudice.

2025: Howard to be Inducted into 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.