What Happened to Dwight David Howard II?
Dwight Howard, nicknamed "Superman," is an American former professional basketball player who achieved significant success in the NBA, including an NBA championship and multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards. After a storied NBA career, he transitioned to playing and owning teams in Taiwan before officially announcing his retirement in March 2026, only to un-retire two months later to join the BIG3 league as a player-captain.
Quick Answer
Dwight Howard officially announced his retirement from professional basketball on March 12, 2026, after a career that included an NBA championship and a Hall of Fame induction in 2025. However, he quickly ended his retirement, joining the BIG3 league's LA Riot as a player-captain on May 6, 2026. Prior to this, he had also become a player-owner in a Taiwanese basketball league, The Asian Tournament, and for the Taiwan Mustangs in May 2024.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Drafted First Overall by Orlando Magic
Dwight Howard was selected as the first overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, beginning his illustrious NBA career directly out of high school.
Wins NBA Slam Dunk Contest
Howard showcased his athleticism by winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, famously donning a 'Superman' cape.
Leads Magic to NBA Finals
He led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals, where they ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Three-Time NBA Defensive Player of the Year
Howard won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award for three consecutive seasons, a testament to his dominance on that end of the court.
Traded to Los Angeles Lakers
After much speculation, Howard was traded from the Orlando Magic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster four-team deal.
Wins NBA Championship with Lakers
Howard secured his first and only NBA championship as a key role player for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 'bubble' season.
Signs with Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan
After his NBA career concluded, Howard signed with the Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 League in Taiwan, marking his move to overseas professional basketball.
Spectacular T1 League Debut
In his debut for the Taoyuan Leopards, Howard delivered an incredible performance with 38 points, 25 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 blocks.
Named T1 League Most Valuable Import
Howard's dominant performance in the T1 League was recognized as he was awarded the Most Valuable Import for the 2022-23 season.
Becomes Player-Owner in Taiwanese League
Howard announced he became a part-owner of The Asian Tournament, a new Taiwanese basketball league, and a player-owner for the Taiwan Mustangs.
Receives Taiwan Employment Gold Card
Howard received his Taiwan Employment Gold Card, a special visa for high-level professionals, facilitating his continued work and play in Taiwan.
Inducted into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Dwight Howard was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding career achievements.
Announces Retirement from Professional Basketball
Howard officially announced his retirement from all professional basketball, expressing a desire to focus on family and community work.
Ends Retirement to Join BIG3 League
Less than two months after announcing his retirement, Howard ended it to join the BIG3 league as a player-captain for the LA Riot.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Dwight Howard's professional basketball journey began in 2004 when he was drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic directly out of high school, quickly establishing himself as a dominant force in the NBA. During his eight seasons with the Magic, he led the team to the 2009 NBA Finals and earned three consecutive NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2009 to 2011, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's premier centers.
Following his tenure in Orlando, Howard embarked on a journeyman phase of his career, playing for several NBA teams including multiple stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers. A significant turning point came in 2020 when he won his sole NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, providing a veteran presence off the bench for the title-winning squad.
After his last NBA season in 2021-2022 with the Lakers, Howard moved overseas, signing with the Taoyuan Leopards of Taiwan's T1 League in November 2022. His debut was spectacular, recording 38 points, 25 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 blocks, and he was subsequently named the T1 League Most Valuable Import in 2023. This experience in Taiwan proved to be a pivotal moment, inspiring him to take on a new role beyond just playing.
In May 2024, Howard announced a groundbreaking move, becoming a part-owner of a new Taiwanese basketball league, The Asian Tournament, and a player-owner for one of its teams, the Taiwan Mustangs. He received his Taiwan Employment Gold Card in July 2024, facilitating his continued involvement in the Taiwanese basketball scene. His enduring impact on the sport was further recognized with his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025.
Despite his Hall of Fame induction, Howard officially announced his retirement from all professional basketball on March 12, 2026, citing a desire to focus on family and community initiatives like his 'D12 Day' acts of kindness. However, this retirement was short-lived. On May 6, 2026, less than two months later, it was announced that Howard would be ending his retirement to play in the BIG3 league, joining the LA Riot as a player-captain, demonstrating his continued passion for competitive basketball at 40 years old.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Dwight David Howard II made different choices?