The Magic Insider

Dwight Howard sends heartfelt message to former Magic coach during Hall of Fame speech

The former Orlando center praised someone he used to quarrel with.
Matt Hanifan|
Apr 10, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Apr 10, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard was officially enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame over the weekend after 18 NBA seasons, including eight with the Orlando Magic (2004-12).

Howard, who retired at the end of the 2021-22 season, shared a heartfelt moment with former Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy, crediting him for teaching what it means to be a pro.

"Stan, I just want to say because of you, I am in the Hall of Fame," Howard said. "As I said before, there is no Dwight Howard without Stan Van Gundy. You taught me what it means to stay ready.

"I still remember, in the playoffs, you had us doing plays for guys who never even got in the game. And I remember you saying, 'Listen, you never know. You never know. I mean, listen.' But you was right, Stan -- in basketball and in life, you have to stay ready."

In Howard's eight seasons with the Orlando Magic, he averaged 18.4 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks on 60.1 percent true shooting.

He spent his final five seasons with the Magic under Van Gundy's tutelage, leading to three-straight Defensive Player of the Year awards (2008-11) plus four top-5 finishes for the MVP.

The former No. 1 overall pick still holds franchise records in scoring, blocks, rebounds, free throws attempted, made free throws and minutes played. There's no doubt that the best basketball of his career came in Orlando. And there's also little doubt that Van Gundy had a massive influence on the trajectory of Howard's illustrious career.

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Matt Hanifan
MATT HANIFAN

Matt Hanifan: Born and raised in Nevada, Matt has covered the Miami Heat, NBA and men’s college basketball for various platforms since 2019. More of his work can be found at Hot Hot Hoops, Vendetta Sports Media and Mountain West Connection. He studied journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he previously served as a sports staff writer for The Nevada Sagebrush. Twitter: @Mph_824_