Dwight Howard
A dominant physical force who anchored NBA defenses for a generation, winning three Defensive Player of the Year awards and a championship.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American basketball player·Birthday: December 8·Millennials
Biography
Dwight Howard exploded onto the NBA scene straight from high school, a mountain of muscle and charisma who immediately changed the geometry of the court. For over a decade, he was the league's premier defensive anchor, a shot-blocking, rebound-devouring center whose sheer athleticism earned him the 'Superman' moniker. His peak years with the Orlando Magic were defined by a trip to the NBA Finals and a singular ability to control a game without needing a single play called for him. Howard's journey later took him through several teams, his role evolving from franchise cornerstone to valued veteran, culminating in a supporting role on the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers team that secured his elusive championship ring. His career is a testament to the enduring impact of defensive dominance and physical presence in a sport increasingly focused on perimeter skill.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Dwight was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dwight Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Dwight's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the NBA championship in 2020 as a key rotational player for the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Earned three consecutive NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards (2009-2011).
- Led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009 as the team's central star.
- Won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2008 by famously donning a Superman cape.
- Selected as the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft directly out of high school.
Did You Know?
He is the last player to be drafted first overall directly from high school.
Howard is an avid piano player and has performed publicly.
He led the NBA in rebounds per game five separate seasons.
He played for seven different NBA teams over his career.
Howard has expressed interest in professional wrestling after his basketball career.
“I think my legacy should be that I never gave up, no matter what people said, no matter how many people doubted me.”
