Dwight Howard Reacts to Being Inducted into Pro Basketball Hall of Fame

🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.

The Basketball Hall of Fame is the highest honor that a player can have. It takes a lot of hard work in order to achieve this honor that is reserved for only the best players in the game.

It's an honor that is reserved for only the best players who play the game. The 2025 Hall of Fame class was announced over the weekend with several greats from both the NBA and the WNBA on the list.

Dwight Howard
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers after winning the 2020 NBA Championship in Game Six of the 2020 NBA Finals. Howard was inducted... Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images

Dwight Howard was one of the players who was selected to the Hall of Fame. The former number-one overall pick gets the honor after playing for seven different teams over the course of his career, taking home one championship.

Howard was one of the last players to get drafted coming directly from high school. Shortly after the 2004 NBA Draft, they changed the rules so that players must be at least a year out of high school to be drafted.

Read more: WNBA Superstars Sue Bird, Maya Moore Named to 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame

While talking about the honor of being inducted into the Hall of Fame, Howard was overcome with emotion. He struggled to talk through exactly what his feelings were.

Howard understands what an honor it is to be considered one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball. His resume certainly shows his worthiness to be in, as well.

Over the course of his career, Howard was named to the All-Star Team eight times, the All-NBA Team five times, and the All-NBA Defensive Team five times. Howard won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award three times in a row.

More Newsweek: Chris Paul Makes Massive Decision About NBA Future

Howard made the NBA Finals twice in his career, once with the Orlando Magic and once with the Los Angeles Lakers. He won his only championship with the 2020 Lakers in the bubble. Howard was also the Slam Dunk champion in 2008.

Over the course of his career, Howard was known as a rebounding and defensive force. That was the value he gave to teams late in his career once his offensive game started to dissipate.

During his long NBA career, Howard averaged 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He also shot 58.7 percent from the field.

More Newsweek NBA: Ja Morant Hit With Massive 75k Fine Over Finger Gun Celebration

76ers All-Star Tyrese Maxey Ruled Out for Rest of Season

Is This Article Trustworthy?

Newsweek Logo

Is This Article Trustworthy?

Newsweek Logo

Newsweek is committed to journalism that is factual and fair

We value your input and encourage you to rate this article.

Newsweek is committed to journalism that is factual and fair

We value your input and encourage you to rate this article.

Slide Circle to Vote

Reader Avg.
No Moderately Yes
VOTE

About the writer

Ryan Stano is a Newsweek contributor based out of Columbus, Ohio. His focus is on sports and entertainment content. Ryan has been with Newsweek since December 2024 and previously worked at Fansided. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University. You can get in touch with Ryan by emailing r.stano@newsweek.com.


Ryan Stano is a Newsweek contributor based out of Columbus, Ohio. His focus is on sports and entertainment content. Ryan ... Read more