Report: Dwight Howard Named First-Ballot Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer

Dwight Howard, the former Orlando Magic No. 1 draft pick from 2004 and the most recent entrant into the team's Hall of Fame, has been elected as a first-ballot Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame member.

Former Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard celebrates being inducted into the team's Hall of Fame. | Gary Bassing, Orlando Magic

ORLANDO, Fla. – Dwight Howard's recent induction into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame won't be his last celebration of success in 2025.

Howard has been elected as a first-ballot member to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, ESPN reported on Friday evening.

An 8-time All-Star and All-NBA performer, 3-time Defensive Player of the Year, 2020 NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist, Howard spent the first eight of his 18 professional seasons with the Magic.

After being drafted No. 1 overall in the 2004 NBA draft, Howard earned six of his eight All-Star and All-NBA nods (five first-team) with Orlando, all three of his DPOY awards, and became the franchise's all-time leading scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker. He was the runner-up for the 2010-11 MVP award, and he led the NBA in rebounds four times and blocks twice while with the Magic.

He appeared in 621 regular season games (620 starts) with Orlando, averaging 18.4 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks a game while shooting 57.7 percent from the field.

His teams made six playoff appearances, including a trip to the Finals in 2009 and the Eastern Conference Finals the year after. Over 57 career playoff games in those six postseason runs, Howard averaged 19.9 points, 14.4 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per contest.

On March 24, Howard became the 13th inductee into the Magic Hall of Fame in the team's 36-year history. On a day full of reflection, "Superman" said that Orlando "will always forever be my home."

But now, he joins Carmelo Anthony as a fellow first-ballot member in the 2025 class.

An official announcement for the entire Naismith Basketball HOF Class of '25 will be made during the Men's NCAA Tournament Final Four games on Saturday, April 5.

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