Dwight Howard has taken his place in Orlando Magic history.
D12 became a legend in Orlando after joining the franchise with the No.1 pick in 2004 NBA Draft.
Howard played eight seasons with the Magic from 2004-12, leading them on their last Finals run which came in 2009 — a loss to Kobe Bryant‘s Los Angeles Lakers.
He became the first player in NBA history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award in three straight seasons (2008-11), and is the team’s all-time regular-season leader in points (11,435), rebounds (8,072), blocks (1,344), free throws made (3,366) and attempted (5,727) and minutes played (22,471).
On Monday, the retired big man was inducted into the Magic’s Hall of Fame, becoming just the 13th player to receive the prestigious recognition.
Howard joins Shaquille O’Neal, Rich DeVos, Anfernee ‘Penny’ Hardaway, Jimmy Hewitt, Tracy McGrady, David Steele, Darrell Armstrong, John Gabriel, Brian Hill, and Dennis Scott in the Magic Hall of Fame.
He was honored in a packed-out ceremony at Amway Center prior to the Magic’s game with the Lakers — another of Howard’s former teams.
Howard was overjoyed with the honor, and broke down in tears in front of an audience including his parents.
“First, I wanna start by thanking my parents, my mom, my dad,” he said, fighting back tears.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion, reflecting on my journey with the Orlando Magic.
“It bring back a flood of memories, challenges, triumphs, and more importantly, the people who stood by me throughout.”
Howard later took to social media to explain why he was so emotional.
“Those tears today were tears of JOY Tears for that 10 year old that said he was going to be the #1 pick in the NBA draft! Tears for the 18 year old kid that was handed the keys to a franchise and a city. Tears for the ups & downs on this long journey I had in the NBA. Everything comes full circle and I want to thank the Magic again for inducting me into the Orlando Magic HOF,” he posted.
Howard joins Shaq in the Orlando Magic history books,but it’s unlikely he’ll be receiving a congratulatory message from The Big Aristotle.
Tension between the pair started around Howard’s rise to prominence with the Magic, which often drew comparisons to Shaq who started his career in Orlando.
Their playing style and larger than life personalities were also obvious, but the real problem seemed to stem from Howard adopting the ‘Superman’ nickname around the 2008 Slam Dunk Contest – a moniker that became synonymous with Shaq during his Hall of Fame career.
O’Neal has been highly critical of Howard in the years since, criticizing D12 for his performances and overall ‘soft’ nature.
Their long-running feud was recently reignited following Howard’s recent appearance on Ray Daniels Presents.
NBA’s Greatest
Greatest NBA players in the world right now – from Luka Doncic to Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama
Best players in NBA history to never win a championship – James Harden and Carmelo Anthony to Allen Iverson and Karl Malone
10 richest owners in the NBA – family empires, media moguls and investment gurus
Michael Jordan’s top 10 scoring games – counting down MJ’s most extraordinary totals
“I hated the most is the fact that he always thought I was trying to be him or be like him,” Howard said.
“But again, if I wanted to be you or be like him, shouldn’t you take that as a compliment and show how great you are as a player and a person?”
Howard then revealed that he’s considered rolling up to the TNT studio where Shaq works as an analyst for Inside the NBA to ask him, ‘What’s his deal?’
“You keep doing it, so I’m gonna have to talk to you man to man. I was finna roll up to the studio and be like, ‘Yo, what’s the deal?’” Howard went on.
“Do we need to throw hands?”
However, Shaq saw what Howard said and didn’t seem bothered about burying the hatchet.
“Dwight Howard, the fact u think I care about u is funny, but I won’t ever bring your name up again sensitive big man, a jokester that can’t take a joke.
“Won’t ever say your name again ever again. Have a great day, and now u have been deleted. Have a great day,” Shaq wrote on X.
How to watch NBA in the UK
*If you click a link in this box we will earn affiliate revenue
With the NBA hurtling towards playoff season next month, there’s plenty riding on the remaining games.
Reigning champions the Boston Celtics are chasing back-to-back titles, and will be the first team to do this since 2018 if they’re successful.
Meanwhile, LeBron James and Luka Dončić’s Lakers are looking to win LA’s first championship since 2020.
To watch the rest of this NBA season, sign up for an NBA League pass using the links below. NBA League pass allows subscribers to watch games live and on demand.
- Buy NBA League Pass – £79.99 for the season, £16.99 a month
- Buy NBA League Pass Premium – £104.99 for the season, £29.99 a month
For more information read our article on how to watch the NBA.
