“This is my home; it will always, forever be my home. You guys will always be my family; I’ll love you guys forever.” Dwight Howard said those words during his Orlando Magic Hall of Fame induction, and you could feel the emotion behind them. He wasn’t just accepting an award, but also reconnecting with the place that made him a star. Howard now joins legends like Shaquille O’Neal, Anfernee Hardaway, and Tracy McGrady in franchise history.
The ceremony took place ahead of the Magic’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Kia Center on March 25, 2025. Howard, visibly moved, had his eyes filled with tears! Gratitude was in his heart as he acknowledged the people who made an impact in his life. From his teammates and coaches to the fans, he took his time to show how much their support meant to him. It showed how strong a bond he shares with the Orlando Community. Now, there is just one thing that he yearns for: his jersey in the rafters!
Before Orlando had announced his induction into the Hall of Fame, Dwight Howard had shared his desire to have his jersey retired. Just recently, the Magic shared a video of his Hall of Fame induction, which showed him lifting the trophy with pride. That clip reignited a fire among fans. The Hall of Fame is nice, but is it enough for someone who led the team to the Finals and dominated for nearly a decade? But for fans, one question still lingers: Shouldn’t his jersey be hanging in the rafters, too?
Looking back, the former Magic center was quite upset when his long-time rival, Shaquille O’Neal, had his jersey retired. At the time, Howard questioned why Shaq’s jersey was the first lifted to the rafters. He pointed out how Shaq had only spent four years in Orlando. He stated, “I should’ve been the first one to have his jersey retired.” And his point makes sense! After all, Howard was in Orlando Magic for nine seasons, way more than Shaq! Moreover, he even helped them make their last Finals appearance. Fans are starting to wonder, and of course, they are not going to let Howard go unappreciated!
Fans demand justice for Dwight Howard’s legacy
Magic fans are rallying behind Dwight Howard, calling for his jersey to be retired in Orlando. It seems that the event which took place yesterday managed to remind them of the legacy Howard has left behind. Hence, as soon as Orlando made the post, fans buzzed in to share their support for the former NBA champ.
The message was simple: Howard deserves his place in Magic history. One fan made it clear: “The #12 Jersey is next… Thanks D. Howard for everything you did for the city.” Not asking much for a star player who led the team’s 5 out of the 17 playoff games, isn’t it?
It’s no wonder that some fans were baffled that his jersey wasn’t already in the rafters. “No jersey hanging from the rafters?” one person asked in disbelief. His confusion makes sense, as whenever the question regarding Orlando’s greatest pops up, his name is always in the conversation!
Apr 10, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
For many, Howard’s impact on the franchise was undeniable. “2 ECF 1 NBA finals run he did great 2 greatest Magic player ever.” His contributions went beyond numbers; he defined an era. So now the question is, what would it take for a player’s jersey to be retired? He already led them to the finals back in 2009! Not to mention defeating LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers by 13 points in the semi-finals. What a feat that was!
However, not everyone is optimistic. One fan vented, “lol we are so stupid for letting him go… same will happen to Paolo.” The frustration is real, but will the Magic make things right? With his Hall of Fame induction secured, this conversation isn’t going away anytime soon.
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