Dwight Howard has been elected as a first-ballot member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Friday.
The eight-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year averaged 15.7 points and 11.8 rebounds across 18 NBA seasons with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers.
Howard, selected first overall by the Magic in the 2004 draft, established himself as the preeminent defensive presence of his era, winning three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2009 to 2011.
His career highlights include leading the Orlando Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals and winning an NBA championship with the Lakers during the 19-20 season. Howard also earned eight All-NBA selections and an Olympic gold medal with Team USA. Howard first joined the Lakers during the 2012 offseason, but left during the following free agency to sign with the Rockets. Howard was slowed down by injuries for the second half of his career.
