Inside The Wizards

Former Wizards Center Enters Basketball Hall of Fame

A legendary big man and one-time Washington Wizards player is now a part of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Scott Conrad|
Nov 14, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Dwight Howard (21) celebrates with Wizards guard John Wall (2) against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Nov 14, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Dwight Howard (21) celebrates with Wizards guard John Wall (2) against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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One of the NBA's greatest big men to ever play the game was one of the many honorees this past weekend to be honored at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony. Dwight Howard may have only played with the Washington Wizards for nine games during the 2018-2019 season, but he still produced near his double-double standards with 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds a game in that stretch.

Howard played for three other NBA teams in the Southeast Division before joining the Wizards, including his original team, the Orlando Magic. He enjoyed eight seasons with the Magic, which included the 2009 Finals against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.

Howard shared at the ceremony on Saturday many thanks and his gratitude towards his mother and father. "You believed in me as much as I did, but you wanted me to commit to it," Howard said. "I wrote down my goals and placed it above my bed along with my cross, and you helped me achieve those goals, day after day."

During his speech, Howard even states "Pops, mom your son is in the Hall of Fame." The eight-time NBA All-Star was both happy and proud of his professional basketball career.

Former LA Lakers & Washington Wizards center Dwight Howard was honored at the 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame event among others
Dec 12, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) questions a foul call in the first half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

In his first of three stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, Howard joined fellow inductee Kobe Bryant for the 2012-13' NBA season. Not only did he start in all 76 games that he played in, he led the league in rebounding with 12.4 boards a game.

The former Lakers center posted 17 points and nearly 11 rebounds a game during the 2013 NBA Western Conference Playoffs. Unfortunately, the Lakers were ousted that year in the first round, 3-1.

Next came a few seasons with the Houston Rockets where one of his inspirations, Dikembe Mutombo had played and wrapped up his NBA playing career. "You motivated me to challenge every shot," Howard said regarding the late Mutombo, who earned a reputation in the league as a prolific shot blocker.

The former Orlando Magic & Washington Wizards center, Dwight Howard, was at the Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Apr 9, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Dwight Howard (21) stands on the court during a time out in the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

After a pair of one-year stints with two other Southeast Division teams, the Atlanta Hawks and the Charlotte Hornets, Howard joined the Washington Wizards. It was also the last season that John Wall, the legendary and recently retired point guard, played in Washington.

It was the fewest number of games he ever played for one time. Yet, it was the only the second time in his career that he made more than 60% of his free throws.

Howard was joined by other basketball greats and 2008 US National Team (The Redeem Team) member Carmelo Anthony. WNBA legends Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and former Chicago Sky center Sylvia Fowles were present, too, as they were inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, as well.

The 39-year-old's last game in the NBA was three years ago. Howard leaves behind an incredibly gift scorer, rebounder, shot blocker, and teammate.

The Wizards would have benefited from having him on the team for more than just one season. Howard is both an NBA champion and Slam Dunk Contest winner, as well. He will not be forgotten amongst fans and the basketball world.

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Scott Conrad
SCOTT CONRAD

My name is Scott Conrad and I am a Contributor for the Chicago Sky with Sports Illustrated.com. I am also a Contributor with FanSided on NinerNoise, as well as Da Windy City. In addition, I am the Site Editor/Expert for The View from Avalon. I spent two seasons (2015 & 2016) with the Tampa Bay Times as a Correspondent covering high school football. I am a two-time published author with more work to come. In my teenage years, I started watching both MLS and WNBA start in 1996 and grow to be the juggernauts they are in their respective sports. Much love to the career on and off the court for fellow-Napervillian and former Sky forward Candace Parker. Outside of the sports journalism world, I am a travel volleyball coach. I accepted the Head Coach position with Greater Cincinnati Volleyball Club for their U13-2 team. In terms of active sports, I play volleyball, soccer, softball, kickball and train in mixed martial arts.

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