Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard is a four time All-Star center for the Orlando Magic. Howard was selected as the 1st pick of the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic ahead of Emeka Okafor of the Charlotte Bobcats and Ben Gordon of then the Chicago Bulls. His father Dwight Howard Sr. is a Georgia State Trooper and his mother was a basketball player for the Morris Brown College.[1]

He took number 12 for his jersey number as a homage to his idols Kevin Garnett. The number 12 was the reverse of Garnett's no 21 jersey when he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves. [2]

For the 2009-2010 season, Howard led in rebounds (13.2 rebound per game) and block (2.78 blocks per game). [3] [4]

He also won the Defensive Player of the year for two years in a row (for the season of 2008-2009 and 2009-2010). [5]

ESPN.com reports that the NBA will not suspend Dwight Howard for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics. Howard, was called for a flagrant foul 1 after swinging his arm and his elbow swept through the head of Paul Pierce from the Boston Celtics. [6]

Games Played: 82 games

Games Started: 82 games

Minutes: 34.7 minutes per game

Points: 18.3 points per game

Field Goal: 61.2%

3 Point: 0%

Free Throw: 59.2%

Steals: 0.9 steals per game

Blocks: 2.8 blocks per game

Turnovers: 3.3 turnovers per game

Rebounds: 13.2 rebounds per game

Assists 1.8 assists per game [1]

Dwight David Howard was born in Atlanta, Georgia on December 8, 1985. He attended Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy and was quickly recognized as one of the best players at the High School level. Instead of attending college, Howard elected to declare for the 2004 NBA Draft, and forgo college.NBA.com: Dwight Howard

During his four year at the Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy high school, he averaged 16.6 points, 13.4 rebounds and 6.3 blocks per game in 129 appearances. He received several awards including Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award, Gatorade National Player of the Year Award, McDonald's National High School Player of the Year Honour and co-MVP of the McDonald's High School All-America Game with J.R. Smith of the Denver Nuggets. [1]

Howard was selected with the first pick of the 2004 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. In his first season with the Magic he would average double figures in scoring and rebounding. He would continue to develop in his second season and in only his third season he was selected for his first All-Star Game appearance. In 2008, he would make his first start for the Eastern Conference in the NBA All-Star Game. His performance in the Slam Dunk Contest would prove to be the highlight of the weekend. He would win the contest with a Superman Dunk. In the winning dunk, Howard dressed up in a Superman cape, and took off just inside the free throw line to throw down an impressive shot.NBA.com: Dwight Howard

On February 19, 2009, Howard scored a record high of 45 points to lead the Magic to a 107-102 overtime victory against the Charlotte Bobcats.Breitbart: Howard scores 45 as Magic beat Bobcats in overtime (February 17, 2009)

Howard competed for the Slam Dunk championship crown during NBA All-Star weekend on February 14, 2009 as defending champion. The last player to repeat as champion was Golden State Warriors guard Jason Richardson in 2003.ESPN.com: Fans to pick fourth player in slam dunk contest (December 25, 2008) During the contest, Howard brought out a 12-foot hoop and dressed in a Superman cape. He got perfect scores in the first and second rounds, but lost to Nate Robinson in the final round.

• December 8, 1985: Born
• 2004: Debuts with Orlando Magic
• 2005: NBA All Rookie Team
• 2007: NBA All Star
• 2008: NBA All Star Slam Dunk Champion
• 2009: Lost in NBA Final to Los Angeles Lakers

Having an impressive season of 2008-2009, Dwight Howard took the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals. This would be the second trip for the franchise. The first trip was in 1995. Despite having a solid Game 3, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Magic 4-1.