Superman — three-time Defensive Player of the Year and the most dominant defensive centre of the 2000s.
Dwight David Howard was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1985. Orlando Magic selected him first overall in the 2004 NBA Draft straight from high school. His career produced three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards (2009, 2010, 2011) and eight All-Star appearances. He averaged 12.7 rebounds per game across his career — the highest of any player since Dennis Rodman. He led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers. His 2011-12 season — before back surgery — was one of the finest defensive campaigns by a centre in NBA history. He won an NBA championship as a reserve with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. His athleticism at 6ft 10in — particularly his ability to alter shots and clean the glass — made him the most dominant defensive centre of his generation. He was selected to five All-NBA First Teams. He won Olympic gold with the USA in 2008. After the back surgery, he remained a reliable contributor but never recaptured his peak dominance.
Dominant center, elite shot-blocker, and defensive anchor
How They Played
Athletic center with elite rebounding and shot-blocking ability
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest defensive centers in NBA history
NBA Champion (2020)
Career Honours
- NBA Champion (2020)
- Defensive Player of the Year 3x
- All-Star 8x
- All-NBA First Team 5x
- Olympic Gold Medal