Dwight Howard is officially cementing his legacy in Orlando. The eight-time All-NBA center has been selected as the latest inductee into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame, joining a prestigious group of NBA legends.
Drafted first overall in 2004, Howard quickly became the center of the Magic’s roster. He played 621 regular season games with the Magic (starting all but one), averaging 18.4 points and 13.0 rebounds per game.
Orlando Magic Announce Dwight Howard’s Induction in Style
The Magic made the announcement in style, with CEO Alex Martins personally calling Howard to deliver the news. The moment, shared on the team’s official X account, captured Howard’s excitement as he received the honor. The big man, who spent his first eight seasons in Orlando, was visibly grateful, thanking the organization and fans for the recognition.
the newest member of the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame
congrats @dwighthoward 🪄 https://t.co/9J6pNMCi3g pic.twitter.com/v6JohCtEcm
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 7, 2025
Howard will be formally inducted on Monday, March 24, at 3:45 p.m. at the Kia Center near the Orlando Magic Fan Experience. Later that night, he’ll be honored again during Orlando’s home game against the Los Angeles Lakers — the team he famously battled in the 2009 NBA Finals and later won a championship with in 2020.
Following the announcement, Howard posted a heartfelt video expressing his excitement:
“I am so excited to come down to Orlando soon to get inducted in the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame. Oh my God, this is the most amazing honor. … I can’t wait to get back to O-Town to see every single one of you celebrate. Thank you guys for my amazing career, and it’s time to be back.”
Magic faaaaaaaaaaaaaannnsssss@DwightHoward checking in 💙 https://t.co/r9XYH2BDDR pic.twitter.com/HI1vTOVcMl
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 7, 2025
The video was full of Howard’s signature energy, and the veteran center seemed thrilled to return to the place where he became a superstar.
Besides Howard’s video, the Magic’s CEO also released a statement celebrating the contributions of their former center. He emphasized Howard’s impact on the franchise and his commitment to the team:
“Dwight Howard left an undeniable imprint on the history of the Orlando Magic. From being the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft to our trip to the 2009 NBA Finals, Dwight’s work helped us achieve great success during his eight seasons in a Magic uniform, both on the court and in the community. We are looking forward to inducting Dwight into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame.”
D12 Eyeing Another Honor Besides Orlando Magic Hall of Fame
While the Magic Hall of Fame is a major achievement, Howard might not be done collecting accolades. He is currently a finalist for the 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — the ultimate honor for any player.
Regardless of what happens next, Howard’s résumé is already packed with accomplishments. He won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020, playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He also played a key role on Team USA’s “Redeem Team,” which won gold at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Howard holds the franchise record with five All-NBA First Team selections and was a six-time NBA All-Star while with the Magic.
His 18-season NBA career spanned seven teams and was filled with accolades and honors. The 39-year-old is more than deserving of his place in the Magic’s Hall of Fame.