Dwight Howard is an interesting case in NBA history. One of the league’s most recognizable big men has had an equally long twilight to his career, as he did a dominant stint in the first half of his journey. Due to that fact, Superman often goes underrated now, most notably being snubbed from the NBA’s Top-75 Anniversary Team.
Fans, especially the younger ones, only know Howard as the role player, and an oftentimes troublesome one, that he was with the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Philadelphia 76ers.
When asked about a potential Hall-of-Fame selection, Howard expressed doubt during an appearance on Scoop B. Radio.
“It’s not up to me,” Howard said. “But I think one day I’ll get the recognition that I deserve. Until then I’m going to continue to get better, continue to smile and continue to enjoy life.”
While his humility is admirable, it’s also an erasure of an entire Hall-of-Fame career off of his resume. Before D12 headed to Houston to start alongside James Harden, a three-year stint that included an All-Star game appearance and an All-NBA Second Team nod, he had put together an absolutely unstoppable eight-year run with the Orlando Magic (and a brief and disappointing campaign with the 2012-2013 Lakers super team).
LATEST NBA NEWS: Dwight Howard Shares Feelings On NBA Top 75 Snub
In his time in Orlando, Howard led the Magic to five straight playoff appearances, including a trip to the Finals in which they lost against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. In that same stretch, he led the league in rebounding four times and was the league leader in blocks twice. He garnered an additional rebounding title in his first season with Los Angeles.
For his impressive play in Orlando, he made eight All-Star appearances, made the All-Rookie First Team in 2015, notched two All-NBA Third Team selections, and grabbed five All-NBA First Team awards. He landed on the NBA’s All-Defensive teams five times, including four first-team selections. He was also named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year three times in a row from 2008 to 2011.
Anybody with just Howard’s Orlando career should be a shoo-in for the Basketball Hall of Fame. Not only did Dwight not stop there, he only continued to add to his resume. Aside from his too-quickly-forgotten Houston Rockets since that was mentioned earlier, he was also instrumental in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 championship run off of their bench.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Dwight Howard Shares Feelings On NBA Top 75 Snub
If he wasn’t a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer before then, winning a title to complete his resume full circle should have been the final nail in the coffin for this debate.
It’s been a recurring joke that basketball’s Hall of Fame is almost too inclusive, with nods given to some less-than-dominant players. Dwight Howard wouldn’t be one of those. He should have been an easy selection for the NBA’s Top-75 Anniversary Team and should be one for the Hall-of-Fame when the time comes.
