The Orlando Magic announced on Thursday that they plan to induct Dwight Howard to their own Hall of Fame. The CEO of the organization, Alex Martins, made the announcement official, and Howard will be the 13th inductee into the franchise’s history. According to the press release by the Magic, the former star big man will be honored on Monday, March 24, at 3:45 p.m. in the Kia Center.
The Magic will face Howard’s other previous club, the Los Angeles Lakers, who are led by his old colleague JJ Redick, in that game. Fans may purchase tickets on OrlandoMagic.com or by calling 407-89-MAGIC, according to the team’s press release.
“Dwight Howard left an undeniable imprint on the history of the Orlando Magic,” said Martins. “From being the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, to our trip to the 2009 NBA Finals, Dwight’s work helped us achieve great success during his eight seasons in a Magic uniform, both on the court and in the community. We are looking forward to inducting Dwight into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame.”
PRESS RELEASE:
Dwight Howard to be inducted into the @OrlandoMagic Hall of Famehttps://t.co/4grBG0KcJO— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) March 7, 2025
Howard had some of the best years of his career with the Magic after he was selected with the first pick in 2004. He represented the franchise to six All-Star teams and led the organization to multiple playoff appearances. With the Orlando franchise, the 6-foot-11 center earned three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards (2009-2011).
In 2009, Howard had one of the most impressive playoff runs in the league when he led the Magic to the NBA Finals and faced the Lakers. Unfortunately for Orlando, they couldn’t finish the job as they lost 4-1 to Kobe Bryant and his team.
In the eight years he played for the Magic, Howard averaged 18.4 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. Additionally, he still holds the franchise record for rebounds (offensive and defensive), blocks and points.
Dwight Howard reacts to the gesture by the Orlando Magic
Although Howard didn’t spend his entire career with the Orlando Magic, his short, dominant stint with the franchise still lingers at the Kia Center. As the big man found out about the gesture by the franchise, he addressed the fans and expressed his excitement.
“Magic fans!” Howard started off.
“I am so excited to come down to Orlando soon to be inducted in the Magic Hall of Fame. This is the most amazing honor… I can’t wait to get back to O-town to see every single one of you celebrating.
Magic faaaaaaaaaaaaaannnsssss@DwightHoward checking in 💙 https://t.co/r9XYH2BDDR pic.twitter.com/HI1vTOVcMl
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 7, 2025
In the end, Howard thanked the fans who had supported him throughout his stay with the Magic.
“Thank you guys for my amazing career. It’s time to be back.”
For other sports-related content:
Follow me on X at @BarbecueBro, and follow us at @HardwoodHeroics and @GridironHeroics. You can also reach out to Reign Amurao via email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
