Dwight Howard was born on December 8, 1985, and is well-known for his exceptional abilities, athleticism, and supremacy in the NBA. Throughout his remarkable career, Howard has cemented his status as one of the most formidable centers in the history of the league.
Howard’s physical characteristics, which include his enormous wingspan and stature of 6 feet 10 inches (208 cm), are crucial to his performance on the court. His ascent to basketball success started in high school, where he showed off exceptional skill and the Orlando Magic selected him as the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. This was the start of a career full of achievements and recognition.
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Dwight’s ethnicity is black/African-American. He is a devoted Christian by religion. His belief in god is what has made him one of the greatest in the NBA and he is also very outspoken about his religion. Dwight believes in his religion and Jesus a lot and that keeps him going in the tough stages of life.
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“Man, [Jesus is] just my rock. My foundation when things are going wrong, when I’m at a bad place when I’m sad, I feel like he’s there,” Howard said. “He hurts when I sin, but instead of him turning his back on me, he’s like, ‘hey, come back. I still love you. I’m not going to leave. I’m here for you.’”
With nine seasons spent with the Magic, Howard became a stellar player on the team, finishing as its all-time top scorer and earning six all-star selections. He has been a top professional on and off the court and his beliefs have led him to so much glory in his illustrious career.
Dwight Howard’s journey to the NBA
Dwight, who chose to represent Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, was primarily a power forward in 129 games, averaging 16.6 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 6.3 blocks. During his senior year, Howard averaged 25 points, 18 rebounds, 8.1 blocks, and 3.5 assists per game, helping his team to a 31–2 record and the 2004 state championship.
In addition to winning the Gatorade National Player of the Year, McDonald’s National High School Player of the Year, the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award, and the Morgan Wootten High School Player of the Year Award, he was largely regarded as the best American high school basketball player in that same year. That year, he shared the McDonald’s All-American Game MVP award with J. R. Smith.
OTD in 2004, Dwight Howard made his NBA debut 🪄 pic.twitter.com/8xekEioxvV
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) November 3, 2022
After excelling in high school, Howard decided not to attend college and instead declared for the 2004 NBA draft. This move was somewhat motivated by the fact that his hero, Kevin Garnett, had made the same choice in 1995. Howard was taken first overall by the Orlando Magic, ahead of UConn junior Emeka Okafor.
Dwight Howard on the Magic was UNSTOPPABLE. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/XEfMARVb9D
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) September 16, 2021
At an average of 12 points and 10 rebounds towards the end of his rookie campaign, he broke multiple NBA records. In the regular season, he established himself as the youngest player in NBA history to average two doubles. In addition, he established himself as the youngest player in NBA history to rack up at least 20 rebounds in a game and to average at least 10 rebounds a season.