Dwight Howard’s résumé spoke for itself lengthy earlier than Saturday evening. He averaged 15.7 factors and 11.8 rebounds over 18 NBA seasons, rating tenth all-time in rebounds and thirteenth in blocked photographs, and is the one participant to win three consecutive Defensive Participant of the Yr awards. He led Orlando to the 2009 Finals, gained 5 rebounding titles, captured a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, and took gold with the 2008 U.S. Olympic “Redeem Workforce.”
Now, his place in basketball historical past is official. Howard was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Corridor of Fame, lastly receiving recognition he lengthy believed had been denied.
Dwight Howard Earns Recognition After a Snub
Howard’s profession was not with out controversy over the way it was remembered. In 2021, he was left off the NBA’s seventy fifth anniversary workforce, a choice many considered as a evident oversight. The omission led him to query whether or not his accomplishments would ever obtain their correct due.
“I used to be questioning if I used to be ever going to get into the Corridor of Fame after the Prime 75 factor, as a result of it simply appeared like I haven’t actually acquired that a lot respect,” Howard mentioned this week. “However then as soon as I obtained the decision, I used to be like, ‘Wow, that is right here.’”
His longtime coach in Orlando, Stan Van Gundy, had been blunt about Howard’s omission from that record.
“It was completely ridiculous that he didn’t make Prime 75,” Van Gundy mentioned.
On Saturday, that mistaken was made proper.
A Speech of Thanks and Humor
When Howard took the stage, he instantly drew laughs by admitting he had strayed from his ready remarks. The second set the tone for a speech that blended sincerity together with his playful character.
“My dad made a wager that I used to be going to not keep on with the script, and he was already proper,” Howard mentioned. “I didn’t keep on with it from the start. So, you’re proper, Daddy. Thanks. I actually can’t imagine this, man. And I’m simply so blessed to have the ability to stand right here in entrance of all of you, honored as one of many biggest basketball gamers ever.”
He thanked his mother and father for his or her steering, recalling how he set targets above his mattress as a 10-year-old — together with turning into the No. 1 general decide within the draft.
“Take a look at how life works,” Howard mentioned. “Pops, mother, your son is within the Corridor of Fame.”
Howard additionally took time to salute basketball legends who formed his outlook.
“Shout out to Invoice Russell. Might you relaxation in peace,” Howard mentioned. “Your guide, Russell Guidelines, allowed me to know the sport at an entire totally different stage. That guide taught me about management and the significance of staying dedicated to my targets.”
“Pops, mother your son is within the Corridor of Fame.”
Dwight Howard offers a particular shoutout to his mother and father throughout his @Hoophall speech 🥹
📺 Class of 2025 Enshrinement Ceremony on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/qiQ6ZGqP3q
— NBA (@NBA) September 6, 2025
Rival with Shaquille O’Neal Defined
He continued together with his inspirations.
“Additionally, relaxation in peace to Dikembe Mutombo, one of many biggest defenders and shot blockers ever. You motivated me to problem each shot and battle for each shot,” Howard mentioned.
“Kareem. I want you might be right here since you are my GOAT,” Howard added. “You’re the solely participant in NBA historical past to have two Corridor of Fame careers.”
And he addressed his difficult historical past with Shaquille O’Neal.
“Shaq. We didn’t at all times see eye to eye, however in hindsight, I imagine it was simply sibling rivalries,” Howard mentioned. “We’re brothers on this fraternity of basketball and generally brothers battle over the stupidest stuff. I actually blame Soulja Boy, y’all.”
It’s WILD that Shaq and Dwight solely made up as a result of six months in the past Dwight wandered into an Orlando hookah bar the place Shaq occurred to be, they usually began speaking. Lower to – Shaq strolling Dwight out for his Corridor of Fame induction tonight.@Hoophall @allthesmokeprod pic.twitter.com/gkrwX3ojd1
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) September 7, 2025
Orlando, Los Angeles and Past
Howard additionally regarded again on the phases of his profession, from his early years in Orlando to the Lakers championship within the bubble. He credited Van Gundy for shaping his self-discipline and recalled the Magic’s 2009 Finals run.
“Due to you, I’m within the Corridor of Fame,” Howard mentioned. “You taught me what it means to remain prepared.”
He additionally recalled Orlando’s Finals run.
“That was a magical run,” Howard mentioned. “Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu, Rafer Alston, Marcin Gortat, Mickaël Piétrus, and the remainder of the squad — thanks.”
When reflecting on his Lakers title, Howard made positive to acknowledge his teammates.
“Thanks to all my 2020 Lakers teammates for making it attainable to name myself a champion,” he mentioned. “Oh, LeBron is right here. Thanks for coming, Bunny.”
Howard additionally acknowledged his more moderen abroad stops, together with Taiwan.
“Due to basketball, my life has been a tremendous journey,” Howard mentioned. “This sport has modified my actuality and has opened up doorways, permitting me to make connections globally.”
A Closing Message
Howard closed his speech by reflecting on the challenges he confronted on and off the courtroom and the teachings they introduced him.
“Sure, this journey has not been simple,” Howard mentioned. “I’ve been by way of many storms on and off the courtroom, however I’ve by no means allowed these to scrub me out. As a substitute, I stored smiling and shining vibrant as a result of I knew it will solely rain for thus lengthy.”
He then provided a message about legacy.
“That is your universe. That is your one music,” Howard mentioned. “How would you like your music to sound when folks hear it? Will they need to throw it out or run it again? And bear in mind, you solely die as soon as, however you reside every single day.”
For Dwight Howard, Springfield confirmed what the numbers at all times urged: his music belongs among the many sport’s biggest.
