Dwight Howard just got inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame! Pretty wild, right? The same guy who once walked into the league as an 18-year-old rookie is now being honored as one of Orlando’s greatest. As he stood at the podium, looking back on his career, he couldn’t help but remember someone special from his early days—someone who shaped him in ways he never fully understood back then.
From his very first season, Dwight Howard showed promise. The man skipped college, entered the NBA as the No. 1 pick, and stood his ground against the pros! How so? He averaged 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game! Orlando Magic took a chance with him and he proved them right! What else? He even became the youngest player to grab 20 rebounds in a game! Well, of course, all credit can’t just go to him. Behind him were his mentors, who helped him carve a path that led him to this day when he is receiving such an honor!
As Howard stood on the podium, giving his speech, he couldn’t stop tears from filling his eyes as he expressed his gratitude to his coaches, Johnny Davis and Brian Hill. He remembered the lessons he learned from them, especially so, from Johnny Davis. He recalled the late coaches’ piece of advice: Don’t let Miami seduce you.” To which he now jokingly said, “So I stayed out of Miami for my whole career. Thank you, Johnny Davis.”
Back in 2016, the Miami Heat were eyeing a trade for Howard. Reports suggested they were willing to send a package, including Hassan Whiteside to the Rockets to land him. But despite Miami’s pursuit, the deal never happened. Could it be that Davis’s old warning had stuck with Howard? After all, Miami had a reputation.
Apr 5, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Heat’s interest in Howard wasn’t just about talent. At the time, they needed a big man, and Howard fit the bill. However, concerns about his personality and fit with the team reportedly made Miami hesitate. ESPN’s Zach Lowe even suggested that Miami was “sniffing around cheaper options” rather than taking the risk on Howard. Perhaps Howard’s decision wasn’t just about money or team structure: maybe he simply remembered Davis’s words and chose to stay away.
Dwight Howard takes the role of a coach for his kids
For years, Dwight Howard was a powerhouse in the NBA, throwing down dunks and blocking shots like no one else. What is he up to after his retirement? Well, his biggest role isn’t on the court now, but at his home. While he hasn’t officially retired, he’s spending more time with his kids, making up for moments he once missed. A few months ago, he reflected on his past, admitting, “I have five kids by five women. That’s not really the right example to show for my daughters or my sons.”
Lately, he’s been all about being present. Just last month, he posted a video of himself training his youngest son, David, running drills and bonding over basketball. It seems that the care he once received from his coaches during his time in the NBA, he is now using it to give forward to his own children! After losing his mother in 2020, David has been leaning on his dad more than ever, and Howard is making sure he’s there.
Looking back, he knows he sacrificed a lot for his career. “I put in so much work, so much time, it’s like now I want to give that time to the kids,” he shared on Gilbert Arenas’ podcast. Basketball gave him everything, but now, he’s focused on giving back to the people who matter most. Maybe trophies are great, but being there for your kids? That’s the real win.
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