Dwight Howard Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth, Life

Dwight Howard Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth, Life
Dwight Howard with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019. (Image credit: Jim Ruymen/UPI)

Dwight Howard is an American basketball player who plays in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Los Angeles Lakers. One of the top centermen in the NBA, Howard’s basketball antics is one which has earned him several honours in the NBA. An 8-time NBA All-Star, Howard has established himself as one of the top defenders in the league. We review the life and profile of one of basketball and NBA’s top defensive stars in this Dwight Howard biography facts, childhood, net worth and personal life. 

Dwight Howard Biography Facts, Age, Family, Wife, Kids

  • Full Name: Dwight David Howard II
  • Nicknames: D-12, D-Howard, Steelman, Superman
  • Date of Birth: December 8, 1985
  • Age: 38 years old
  • Place of Birth: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
  • Nationality: American
  • Height: 6 feet, 10 inches
  • Shoe Size: 18
  • Weight: 265 lb (120 kg)
  • Education: Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy (SACA)
  • Parents: Dwight Howard Sr.; Sheryl Howard
  • Marital Status: Single  
  • Children: Braylon Howard (son)
  • Sibling: TaShanda Howard (sister); Jahaziel Howard (brother)
  • Net Worth: $140 million
  • Occupation: Basketball Player
  • Current Team: Los Angeles Lakers
  • Playing Career: 2004–date
  • Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius 

Dwight Howard Childhood Story, Early Life & High School

Howard is one of three children born on 8 December 1985, to his father, Dwight Howard Sr. and mother, Sheryl Howard. It was not difficult for young Howard to begin playing basketball as his father was the Athletic Director of the school he attended, Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, which had a reputation for its basketball program. His mother played basketball at Morris Brown College. Prior to Howard’s birth, his mother had seven miscarriages.

Dwight Howard Childhood Photo
Childhood photo of young Dwight Howard. (Image credit: NBA Archives)

Howard began taking particular interest in basketball when he was just nine years old. At SACA, Howard played as a power forward during his four-year stay at the school.  In his senior year, Howard led his school to 31 regular-season victories and lost just 2 matches. He also led his side to claim the state championship.

Throughout his high school career, he averaged 16.6 points and 13.4 rebounds. Following his success in his final year of high school, he was awarded the McDonald’s National High School Player of the Year Award, Morgan Wootten High School Player of the Year Award, the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award and Gatorade National Player of the Year award. He played in the McDonald’s All-American Game and was named co-MVP.

Dwight Howard Professional/NBA Career, Teams & Awards

Orlando Magic (2004–2012)

Howard decided to enlist in the 2004 NBA Draft, thus forgoing college. His decision was inspired by former NBA Player Kevin Garnett, who did same in 1995. He was selected by the Orlando Magic as its first overall pick. Howard’s rookie season was filled with so many success as he made several records. He was a very important member of the side and started in all 82 games for the Magic, making him the first NBA player drafted directly from high school to achieve the feat. He also became the youngest player in the NBA to record 20 rebounds in a game, and also average 10 rebounds in a season. He participated in the NBA Rookie Challenge in 2005. At the end of the season, he earned All-Rookie team honours and also emerged third in the Rookie of the Year voting.

In the 2005/06 season, then Orlando Magic coach, Brian Hill, pushed Howard to improve his defensive skills, in order for him to emerge as a force for the Magic in the middle. That was necessary if the Magic wanted to qualify for the playoffs. He played for the Sophomore Team in the 2006 NBA Rookie Challenge. He improved in the 2005/06 season, averaging 12.5 rebounds, which was the second-highest in the NBA. Despite his improvement, the Magic failed to make it to the playoffs.

In the 2006/07 season, he played in all 82 regular-season games. He also earned his first All-Star team selection, as an Eastern Conference reserve. His efforts in the season led the Magic to their first playoff since the arrival of Howard. They lost to the Detroit Pistons in the first round. He had a rebound average of 12.3 which was the highest in the league. He was thus named to the All-NBA Third Team

In the 2007/08 season, his performance improved. He earned a place in the All-star game as a starter for the Eastern Conference team. In February 2008, he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. After claiming the divisional title for the first time in 12 years, the Magic went on to the playoffs where they lost to the Detroit Pistons in the second round. He thus received the NBA All-Defensive Second Team and All-NBA First Team honours.

Photo of Dwight Howard with Orlando Magic
Dwight Howard #12 in action for the Orlando Magic in a game against the Washington Wizards on November 27, 2008. (Image credit: Wikimedia Commons)

He began his 2008/09 campaign on a fiery note. He was named as a starter in the All-star game. He led the Magic to their second successive Southeast Division title. In the playoffs, he had a remarkable performance as he sent the Magic to their first NBA finals in 14 years. In the Finals, they lost to the LA Lakers. He ended his season by becoming the youngest player in the NBA to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. He was also named to the All-NBA First Team and NBA All-Defensive First Team.

In the 2009/10 season, he received another All-star honour. He also won a third divisional title with the Magic. In the playoffs, they lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals. He topped the NBA in rebounds and block for the second successive time. He was thus awarded his second successive Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Howard’s performance in the 2010/11 season was sensational. He led the Magic to the playoffs, but they lost in the first round. He then ended the season by becoming the first NBA player to claim three successive Defensive Player of the Year. His last season with the Orlando Magic, the 2011/12 season was a lockout season. Howard requested to be traded from the Magic. If he was not traded, he’ll become a free agent. In April 2012, he sustained a season-ending injury in his back and had to undergo surgery, 

Los Angeles Lakers (2012–2013)

In August 2012, Howard was traded to the LA Lakers. He had a disappointing season with the Lakers as a result of his struggles with injuries. Though he had a low scoring average, he topped the NBA in rebounds and thus received All-NBA Third Team honour

Houston Rockets (2013–2016)

In July 2013, he moved to the Houston Rockets. Howard along with teammate James Harden forged a formidable partnership. In his debut season with the Rockets, he averaged 12.2 rebounds and 18.3 points. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team. They lost to the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round of the playoffs. In the 2014/15 season, Howard came down with knee injury in December 2014. He returned to action in March 2015. Though he played just 41 games, the Rockets won their first divisional title in two decades and went on to lose to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference finals. In December 2015, Howard reached 15,000 career points. After a good season with the Rockets, he turned down a player option contract worth $23 million and became an unrestricted free agent. 

Atlanta Hawks (2016–2017)

In July 2016, Howard signed a three-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks worth $70 million. In his debut game for the Hawks, he had the most rebounds for an Atlanta Hawks player in a debut game. He went on to have a good season.

Charlotte Hornets (2017–2018)

In June 2017, Howard was traded to the Charlotte Hornets. He began his season with the Hornets by becoming the first Hornets player since 2007 to record 15-rebounds in four successive games. In March 2018, he became the eighth player in the league to record a 30-30 point game. He also had a double-double to become one of the elite six in the NBA who has recorded a double-double in their first 13 seasons in the NBA. In July 2018, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, who waived Howard.

Washington Wizards (2018–2019)

In July 2018, he signed with the Washington Wizards but had a season blighted by injuries. In April he decided to play a second season with the Wizards after he exercised his player option. In July 2019, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, who waived him.

Los Angeles Lakers (2019–date)

Photo of Los Angeles Lakers' Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019. (Image credit: Sports Illustrated)

In August 2019, he signed with the LA Lakers. 

Dwight Howard National Team Career

In March 2006, he was named to the USA Basketball Men’s Senior National Team program for the 2006–2008 duration. He won bronze with the US team at the 2006 FIBA World Championship. At the FIBA Americas Championship 2007, he led the US team to claim gold. At the 2008 Olympics, he won the gold with the US National Basketball team.

Dwight Howard Net Worth, Salary and Endorsement

Howard’s net worth is valued at $140 million. In 2019 alone, he received an annual salary of $24.3 million. He has an endorsement deal with the Peak Sport.

Dwight Howard Personal Life

Howard reportedly has five children with five different women. He has been involved in an intense legal battle with the mother of his first child, Royce Reed, over several issues, including custody of their son, Braylon.

Howard has 20 pet snakes. He has appeared on the American reality TV series known as Tanked aired on Animal Planet, a TV channel owned by Discovery.

SEE MORE: Biography facts and profile of famous basketball/NBA stars.


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