Dwight Howard, the former NBA star and 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, has officially retired from professional basketball. The eight-time All-Star made the announcement on social media, stating that the game had retired him despite having more to give. Howard plans to focus on family, community work, and passing on his knowledge to the next generation.
Dwight Howard, selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2004 NBA Draft straight out of high school, has played 18 seasons in the league across seven teams: the Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers. His career highlights include eight All-Star selections, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, leading the league in rebounds and blocks multiple times, and a NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020. Howard also recorded one of only 17 instances in NBA history of 30-plus rebounds in a single game and gained fame in the 2008 Slam Dunk Contest by wearing a Superman cape.
Howard last played in the NBA during the 2022 season with the Lakers and appeared professionally with the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan in 2023. Despite not suiting up since, he had not formally announced retirement until a social media post on the 12th of the month, where he wrote: "Woke up today on the 12th of this month and I figured it's time to move on from Superman! ... But now I'm taking off the cape and retiring from all basketball to pour into my family and give back to communities worldwide. I know some of you might think I thought he already 'retired' but I didn't… the game retired me! I still had more left to give!"
In the announcement, Howard expressed gratitude for his nearly 20 years in professional basketball and mentioned inspiration from other players continuing at age 40. He plans to travel to cities worldwide on the 12th of each month for random acts of kindness, compensating for the lack of a farewell tour. Additionally, Howard referenced an upcoming documentary that will address his experiences, including feeling taken advantage of. Reports also indicate he filed for divorce from his wife, Amy Luciani, days before the announcement.
Howard was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame earlier in 2025, making his post-induction retirement unusual but fitting for a player known for his athleticism, smile, and sense of humor on and off the court.
