NBA champion Dwight Howard bids farewell to the court.
Howard officially announced his retirement from professional basketball, confirming what many already thought, although the eight-time All-Star made it clear that the sport had indeed made the decision for him.
The 40-year-old released a lengthy statement Thursday, acknowledging that most people probably thought he had already retired given that his last NBA appearance came in the 2021-22 season, after which he played overseas.
Howard said he still feels he has more to give on the court, but basketball has moved on without him. He now turns to family and community.
In his statement, Howard was characteristically blunt, thanking his supporters and detractors in the same breath.
He specifically acknowledged the “naysayers, haters, snakes and people who came into my life to try to destroy me,” saying they only made him stronger.
It’s a career worth celebrating.
Selected first overall in the 2004 NBA draft out of high school, Howard became one of the most dominant centers of his generation.
Over the course of 18 seasons, he averaged 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, won three Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight All-Star selections and several All-NBA first team nominations.
He won his championship ring with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2020 season. His most notable stints were with the Orlando Magic, Lakers, and Houston Rockets.
The retirement announcement comes amid significant personal turmoil.
Howard recently filed for divorce from Amber Howard following a series of explosive allegations she made over the weekend, although he filed his own papers before she could, with both parties making 911 calls in the days before.
He said he would share more about his life in the near future, including a documentary for fans.
