Dwight Howard just made history by being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. But even with this monumental achievement, there’s still one thing that stings: missing out on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
For nearly two decades, Dwight Howard was one of the most dominant centers in the league, with his prime years in Orlando cementing his legacy as a defensive powerhouse. From 2004 to 2022, he racked up three Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight NBA All-Star selections, and eight All-NBA nods. But even after all those accolades, the surprise omission from the 75th Anniversary Team still cuts deep.
While Howard’s career slowed after 2014 and he didn’t make another All-Star appearance, his consistent performance and legendary status seemed like a surefire ticket to the NBA’s elite list. But, instead, players like Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard were chosen ahead of him—leaving Howard feeling, well, a little betrayed.
A Big Snub: Howard Speaks Out
Before the big reveal, most people—including Howard himself—thought his spot on the 75th Anniversary Team was a lock. After all, he was the best center in the game for years, a defensive machine who redefined what it meant to protect the rim. But when the list was announced and his name was left off, it was a blow that stung for Howard.
“It hurt. It was like a big slap in the face,” Howard admitted during a recent interview at his Hall of Fame ceremony. “To go in the Hall of Fame not only for what I did, but also for helping Team USA win a Gold medal—it’s like God doubled up on the blessings.”
Still, Howard is taking it in stride. He may not have made the 75th Anniversary Team, but his two Hall of Fame inductions in one night are more than enough to soften the sting.
A Legacy That Won’t Be Forgotten
While Howard’s exclusion from the 75th Anniversary Team still feels like an oversight to many, it won’t erase his place as one of the greatest centers to ever play the game. In an era that saw Shaquille O’Neal dominate, Howard kept the center position alive and well, continuing the legacy with his own dominant play in the paint.
He’ll always be remembered alongside the greats—LeBron, Kobe, Wade—but it’s that missing spot on the 75th Anniversary Team that will always leave a bitter taste in his mouth. But with his Hall of Fame nods and his undeniable impact on the game, Howard’s legacy is firmly secure. And who knows? When the NBA celebrates its 100th Anniversary, you can bet his name will be right where it belongs.
For now, Dwight Howard can rest easy knowing his greatness is recognized, even if it didn’t come with a shiny anniversary honor.
