Dwight Howard is undoubtedly one of the best players to ever step foot in the NBA. Widely considered as one of the most dominant big men of his generation, Howard had career averages of 15.7 points, 11.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.
Howard, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2004 NBA Draft, started his career with the Orlando Magic and went on to play for teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers.
With Howard leading the way, the Magic became a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year even led the team all the way to the NBA Finals in 2008-09, during which they lost to the Kobe Bryant-led Lakers.
Despite winning the championship past his prime — and only as a role player alongside LeBron James with the Lakers back in 2019-20 — there’s no denying that Howard has cemented his legacy as an all-time great.
Unfortunately, Howard has not played in the NBA since the 2021-22 season with the Purple and Gold. He has not officially retired yet, but he has already been inducted into the Hall of Fame as an individual and as a member of the 2008 “Redeem Team” that represented the USA in the Olympics.
That being said, Howard has not gotten a farewell tour either, where a retiring NBA player officially plays his final season and receives tributes and other forms of recognition whenever he visits opposing courts for the final time.
The 40-year-old Howard admitted that it would have been great to have one, although he understands it is unlikely.
“A farewell tour would be nice,” Howard wrote, with his regret clear.
Regardless of whether Howard gets some sort of a farewell tour or not, he will always be remembered as “Superman” and an impactful player in the league.
