Dwight Howard has certainly had an illustrious career.
From winning Olympic gold to capturing an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020, the 40-year-old has experienced some of the greatest heights basketball has to offer.
But even with all of his accomplishments, receiving the call that he would be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame was something completely different.
An Unforgettable Moment
“When I got the call, it was just the most unreal feeling,” Dwight Howard shared in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail. The news left him overwhelmed with emotions. “
Anyone can imagine just your whole body just being overwhelmed with a new type of joy that you’ve never felt before. It’s just insane.”
He went on to describe the moment in vivid detail: “I cried so much of happiness that I didn’t have any more tears. It was just like, I was so grateful and thankful.
It was like, at ease: ‘Man, I don’t have to worry no more. I don’t have to think about this one thing anymore. Basketball is solidified.’”
For Howard, that moment was a profound one, marking the pinnacle of his basketball career.
A Long Road to the Hall of Fame
Howard, who last played in the NBA during the 2021-2022 season, is scheduled to suit up for Ice Cube’s Big3 league this summer.
His recent Hall of Fame induction was a long-awaited recognition of a career that included three Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight All-NBA selections, and five rebounding titles.
Though his induction was expected by many, there was a surprise twist when he asked his former NBA colleague, Shaquille O’Neal, to walk him out during the ceremony this September.
O’Neal, who has had a complicated relationship with Howard over the years, agreed to the request.
The two giants had a public feud for some time, particularly due to Shaq’s criticism of Howard’s use of the ‘Superman’ nickname and his role in the Lakers.
Despite their past, Howard was determined to heal their rift, and it seems the opportunity to make amends has arrived.
Reconciliation with Shaquille O’Neal
Dwight Howard opened up about how the two men repaired their relationship.
He explained that a lot of their tension stemmed from misunderstandings.
“I love him, I respect him, and he is someone that I looked up to,” Howard said, reflecting on Shaq’s influence on him growing up.
“When I watched him play, I was in the 10th, 11th grade, just a baby. What is there for me to be upset about with him?”
Despite their differences over the years, Howard was able to reconcile with O’Neal when they unexpectedly crossed paths at a restaurant.
Howard approached Shaq and the two had a conversation that helped clear the air.
“He apologized, it was just a misunderstanding,” Howard recalled.
“And what happens in life is people, when they have a misunderstanding, they tend to hate it, and they look at it as hate.
So when you talk it out, that’s what two grown men are supposed to do.”
Howard Reflects on His Legacy
Though his Hall of Fame induction is a monumental moment, Howard feels his career has not always been fully appreciated.
“A lot of times, you don’t understand people’s presence until it’s not there anymore,” he said.
“And unfortunately, when you play this game for a very long time, and then the media—different factors could key into [my career] being watered down.”
However, with his induction now a reality, Howard’s legacy is firmly in place.
“When the whole presence is gone, that’s when things are remembered. That’s when people look back and say, ‘Oh my God, I remember.
I see.’” Howard believes that while his career may have been underrated at times, his Hall of Fame induction has solidified his place in basketball history.
Next Chapter with Big3
Despite being in the twilight of his NBA career, Howard is gearing up for his next basketball challenge this summer.
He will be joining Ice Cube’s Big3 league for the first time, playing for the Los Angeles Riot, coached by another former Laker, Nick Young.
“I’m just glad that the opportunity is finally here,” Howard said, excited about the new venture.
He sees this as the perfect time to join the 3-on-3 league, which features former NBA stars like Joe Johnson and Jeff Teague.
The league, in partnership with Australia’s NBL, will also be taking the competition overseas, but Howard is focused on expanding his skills in the United States first.
“I’m looking forward to expanding more of my skills, my mental capacity, and having a good time for the Riot,” Howard added, clearly eager for the next phase of his basketball journey.
For Howard, the Hall of Fame induction is a culmination of years of hard work and determination.
And now, with his relationship with Shaquille O’Neal mended and a new challenge ahead, he looks forward to what’s next in his basketball story.