Dwight Howard’s résumé spoke for itself long before Saturday night. He averaged 15.7 points and 11.8 rebounds over 18 NBA seasons, ranking 10th all-time in rebounds and 13th in blocked shots, and is the only player to win three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards. He led Orlando to the 2009 Finals, won five rebounding titles, captured a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, and took gold with the 2008 U.S. Olympic “Redeem Team.”
Now, his place in basketball history is official. Howard was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, finally receiving recognition he long believed had been denied.
Dwight Howard Earns Recognition After a Snub
Howard’s career was not without controversy over how it was remembered. In 2021, he was left off the NBA’s 75th anniversary team, a decision many viewed as a glaring oversight. The omission led him to question whether his accomplishments would ever receive their proper due.
“I was wondering if I was ever going to get into the Hall of Fame after the Top 75 thing, because it just seemed like I haven’t really received that much respect,” Howard said this week. “But then once I got the call, I was like, ‘Wow, this is here.’”
His longtime coach in Orlando, Stan Van Gundy, had been blunt about Howard’s omission from that list.
“It was absolutely ridiculous that he didn’t make Top 75,” Van Gundy said.
On Saturday, that wrong was made right.
A Speech of Thanks and Humor
When Howard took the stage, he immediately drew laughs by admitting he had strayed from his prepared remarks. The moment set the tone for a speech that blended sincerity with his playful personality.
“My dad made a bet that I was going to not stick to the script, and he was already right,” Howard said. “I didn’t stick to it from the beginning. So, you’re right, Daddy. Thank you. I really can’t believe this, man. And I’m just so blessed to be able to stand here in front of all of you, honored as one of the greatest basketball players ever.”
He thanked his parents for their guidance, recalling how he set goals above his bed as a 10-year-old — including becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
“Look at how life works,” Howard said. “Pops, mom, your son is in the Hall of Fame.”
Howard also took time to salute basketball legends who shaped his outlook.
“Shout out to Bill Russell. May you rest in peace,” Howard said. “Your book, Russell Rules, allowed me to understand the game at a whole different level. That book taught me about leadership and the importance of staying committed to my goals.”
“Pops, mom your son is in the Hall of Fame.”
— NBA (@NBA) September 6, 2025
Dwight Howard gives a special shoutout to his parents during his @Hoophall speech 🥹
📺 Class of 2025 Enshrinement Ceremony on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/qiQ6ZGqP3q
Rival with Shaquille O’Neal Explained
He continued with his inspirations.
“Also, rest in peace to Dikembe Mutombo, one of the greatest defenders and shot blockers ever. You motivated me to challenge every shot and battle for every shot,” Howard said.
“Kareem. I wish you could be here because you are my GOAT,” Howard added. “You are the only player in NBA history to have two Hall of Fame careers.”
And he addressed his complicated history with Shaquille O’Neal.
“Shaq. We did not always see eye to eye, but in hindsight, I believe it was just sibling rivalries,” Howard said. “We are brothers in this fraternity of basketball and sometimes brothers fight over the stupidest stuff. I really blame Soulja Boy, y’all.”
It is WILD that Shaq and Dwight only made up because six months ago Dwight wandered into an Orlando hookah bar where Shaq happened to be, and they started talking. Cut to – Shaq walking Dwight out for his Hall of Fame induction tonight.@Hoophall @allthesmokeprod pic.twitter.com/gkrwX3ojd1
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) September 7, 2025
Orlando, Los Angeles and Beyond
Howard also looked back on the stages of his career, from his early years in Orlando to the Lakers championship in the bubble. He credited Van Gundy for shaping his discipline and recalled the Magic’s 2009 Finals run.
“Because of you, I am in the Hall of Fame,” Howard said. “You taught me what it means to stay ready.”
He also recalled Orlando’s Finals run.
“That was a magical run,” Howard said. “Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu, Rafer Alston, Marcin Gortat, Mickaël Piétrus, and the rest of the squad — thank you.”
When reflecting on his Lakers title, Howard made sure to recognize his teammates.
“Thank you to all my 2020 Lakers teammates for making it possible to call myself a champion,” he said. “Oh, LeBron is here. Thank you for coming, Bunny.”
Howard also acknowledged his more recent overseas stops, including Taiwan.
“Because of basketball, my life has been an amazing journey,” Howard said. “This sport has changed my reality and has opened up doors, allowing me to make connections globally.”
A Closing Message
Howard closed his speech by reflecting on the challenges he faced on and off the court and the lessons they brought him.
“Yes, this journey has not been easy,” Howard said. “I’ve been through many storms on and off the court, but I’ve never allowed those to wash me out. Instead, I kept smiling and shining bright because I knew it would only rain for so long.”
He then offered a message about legacy.
“This is your universe. This is your one song,” Howard said. “How do you want your song to sound when people hear it? Will they want to throw it out or run it back? And remember, you only die once, but you live every day.”
For Dwight Howard, Springfield confirmed what the numbers always suggested: his song belongs among the game’s greatest.
