Howard was drafted first overall in the 2004 NBA Draft and was given the torch by the Orlando Magic. The franchise expected great things from Howard and he delivered.
Now as a member of the Lakers, Howard could be destined to win an NBA championship. He is teaming up with Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Steve Nash, a fantastic four expected to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5G1rO2PzR0
Next Page: Rookie Season
Howard had a solid rookie season with the Magic, and fellow rookie teammate Jameer Nelson. The Magic did not make the post-season in 2004-05, but Howard did average 12 points and 10 rebounds per game. He may not have won a lot of games, but Howard started to make a name for himself in the league.
Still, no matter how successful a player is in his first season, he is still a rookie to the rest of the NBA players.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p5M6KKx6GA
Next Page: Slam Dunk Contest
Howard developed a nice reputation around the league for his play, but he burst onto the scene thanks to the 2008 Dunk Contest. Howard was not that well known of a name in the NBA, but this contest allowed everyone to see who Howard really was. This event brought out both Howard’s athletic ability and personal charm.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDBh9ZWjI0M
Next Page: The Athletic Center
Dwight Howard adopted the ‘Superman’ moniker and is certainly the best big man in the league. Howard is a dominant force in the paint and a player that can win a game based on his athletic ability alone. No other man at his size has his athletic ability and that is evident in his incredible dunks over the years.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb_Gg6XTaR0
Next Page: Defensive Maestro
Howard is also very effective on the defensive end and teams fear the center whenever he is on the court. Howard is the first player in NBA history to win the Defensive Player Award in three consecutive seasons, as very few opponents can get by him near the basket.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gal34LaEhkk