Dwight Howard was one of the headliners for the 2025 Nicemith Basketball Hall of Fame Class. This is a natural achievement after a legendary career and a surprise omission from the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.
From 2004 to 2022, Dwight Howard was one of the best centers in the NBA. Known for his legendary era, primarily for Orlando’s magic, Howard was a defensive figure and a beloved character in the city. He has won three defensive player of the year awards in the trophy case along with eight NBA All-Star appearances and eight All-NBA NODs.
Since 2014, Howard never achieved NBA All-Star status again, but he continued to work well. Players like Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard were chosen before him, so he may have played a role in his omitted from the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.
Prior to the announcement of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team, many people thought Howard was Shoe-in. He was the best center in the league for a long time and he was a prime example of a great rim protector.
Unfortunately, that didn’t mean he’s part of the NBA 75. People were surprised because most people thought Howard would make it. He had praise and numbers to prove his worth, but that wasn’t enough for him to name a special group.
Howard himself was surprised to find that he was good enough. Thankfully, he was honored for his basketball hall of fame, his career, his guidance and contributions to Team USA, earning him another guidance on the same night.
Despite these inductions, Howard has not seen the logic behind his omission from the 75th anniversary team.
“The biggest part of it, I’ll go twice. 75, yes, it hurts. It was like a big slap in the face that isn’t on that team,” Howard said in an interview at the ceremony.
“To be inducted into the Hall of Fame, not just for what I did or for contributions by myself, to help the US team win gold medals and go twice in the same year, man, that’s what it seems you said I know I’ll double you with blessings.”
As a sport centered around superstar big names, Howard is perfect for the best. Most people compare him to Shaquille O’Neill for a similar journey and rivalry, but Howard carried a torch for the center after O’Neill.
Howard was the most feared player in paint, whether offense or defense. He was a true superstar on the same level as players like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade.
With this Hall of Fame-worthy introduction, some will forget about his omission from the NBA’s 75th anniversary team. But that would always be a sticking point for Howard, as he knew he deserved it. The blow softens with the two Hall of Fame nods, but Howard will need to reach the NBA centenary team.