Dwight Howard’s Hall of Fame Legacy and Post-NBA Journey
NEW YORK, January 23, 2026 – Dwight Howard, the dominant center who anchored the Orlando Magic’s rise and won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, cemented his basketball legacy with induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025. Now 40 years old, the eight-time All-Star’s journey has taken him from NBA stardom to international play and a recent legal victory.
Hall of Fame Honor
Howard was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025, a fitting capstone to an 18-year professional career. He was inducted alongside fellow stars Carmelo Anthony and Sue Bird. The honor recognized his impact as one of the league’s most physically imposing and defensively gifted big men of his era.
Career Retrospective
Selected first overall by the Orlando Magic in 2004, Howard quickly became the franchise cornerstone, leading the team to the 2009 NBA Finals. His prime years in Orlando were marked by three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards (2009-2011). After stops with the Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, and Washington Wizards, he returned to Los Angeles and won his first and only NBA championship in 2020 as a key role player. His final NBA season was 2021-22 with the Lakers.
| Career Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| NBA Seasons | 18 |
| Games Played | 1,242 |
| Career Points Per Game | 15.7 |
| Career Rebounds Per Game | 11.8 |
| All-Star Selections | 8 |
| Defensive Player of the Year Awards | 3 |
| NBA Championships | 1 (2020) |
Post-NBA Journey
Following his last NBA season, Howard continued his playing career internationally. He signed with the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan for the 2022-23 season. In September 2023, he reportedly worked out for the Golden State Warriors in pursuit of an NBA comeback. His most recent professional engagement was a January 2024 signing with Strong Group Philippines to play in the Dubai International Basketball Championship.
Legal Matter
In October 2024, a Georgia businessman was convicted in federal court for cheating Howard and former NBA player Chandler Parsons out of $8 million in a scam related to a purported WNBA team purchase. The conviction provided a measure of justice for the defrauded former athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dwight Howard still playing in the NBA?
No. Dwight Howard has not played in the NBA since the 2021-22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. His most recent known professional playing contract was with Strong Group Philippines in January 2024.
When was Dwight Howard inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Dwight Howard was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025 as part of a class that included Carmelo Anthony and Sue Bird.
What teams did Dwight Howard play for?
Over his 18-year career, Howard played for seven teams: Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and the Philadelphia 76ers.
How many Defensive Player of the Year awards does Dwight Howard have?
Dwight Howard won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award three consecutive times from 2009 through 2011.