Dwight Howard, one of the most dominant big men of his generation, finally received the recognition many fans felt was long overdue.
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025, not once, but twice, Howard used the moment to reflect on a career filled with accolades, controversy, and a glaring omission: being left off the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
“It was like a big slap in the face to not be on that team,” Howard said in an interview with NBA TV, referencing the 2021 list that excluded him despite his eight All-Star appearances, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and an NBA championship.
But Howard didn’t dwell on the snub. Instead, he embraced the poetic justice of being inducted into the Hall of Fame both for his NBA career and his role on Team USA’s 2008 “Redeem Team,” which also received enshrinement.
“To go in the Hall of Fame twice in the same year… man, it’s like God said, ‘I’m gonna double pound you with a blessing,’” Howard shared, visibly emotional.
Dwight Howard says it was like a ‘big slap in the face’ to not make the NBA’s 75th anniversary team:
“But to go in the Hall of Fame twice in the same year… man it’s like God said… I’m gonna double pound you with a blessing.”
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)pic.twitter.com/mguEcCiix4
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 6, 2025
Howard’s prime years were nothing short of dominant. From 2004 to 2014, he averaged 18.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, leading the Orlando Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals and redefining what it meant to be a defensive anchor. His exclusion from the NBA 75 list sparked widespread debate, with many pointing to “politics” and off-court perceptions as possible reasons.
Now, with his Hall of Fame jacket and ring in hand, Howard has made peace with the past. His speech honored his parents, his faith, and his persistence through adversity.
“All praises go to God,” he said. “For being persistent, consistent, and always thanking Him for blessing me”.
