Dwight Howard Sends Emotional Message to Orlando Fans Ahead of Hall of Fame Ceremony

As the Redeem Team, Carmelo Anthony, and others prepare for the biggest honors of their basketball careers, emotions are running just as high for Dwight Howard. This Saturday, Howard will be officially inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, forever cementing his legacy among the game’s greatest. Fans still remember the larger-than-life “Superman” dunks, rim-shaking blocks, and the charisma that electrified Orlando’s arenas. But for Howard, this moment is about more than basketball. It’s a tribute to the journey, the challenges, and the city that shaped him. That connection inevitably brings us back to Orlando.

When the question arises whether Dwight Howard belongs in the Hall of Fame, the answer is unmistakable. An eight-time All-Star, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and five-time rebounding champion, Howard dominated on both ends of the court like few players in history. Between 2007 and 2012, he was one of the league’s most unstoppable big men, leading the Orlando Magic all the way to the 2009 NBA Finals, where they fell to Kobe Bryant’s Lakers. Though he later played for multiple teams, it was those defining years in Orlando that forever shaped his legacy.

Ahead of the ceremony, the Orlando Magic’s official Instagram shared a video message from Howard that quickly struck a chord with fans. His words weren’t just thanks; they were heartfelt reflections. “Orlando fans, I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you so much for supporting me over the years,” he said. The video showed how much this moment means to him. You could hear the weight of history in his voice, reminding fans of the shared bond.

Howard’s time in Orlando was more than numbers, though those were incredible. He averaged 18 points and 13 rebounds per game in his eight seasons with the franchise. Beyond stats, it was the memories: the 2009 upset of LeBron’s Cavaliers, the NBA Finals run, and the way he carried a small-market team to national relevance.

As Howard put it, “It means so much to me and my family, my kids, and my legacy to have Orlando as my city.” Looking back, Howard’s gratitude feels rooted in the memories he created with the Magic. “I love you guys and I appreciate all the cheers, all the hugs, all the high fives, all the great memories that I’ve had in my career in Orlando and in the NBA,” Dwight shared. But the career shaped beyond the court, too.

Dwight Howard’s legacy in Orlando goes far beyond his dominant presence on the court. In 2009, he was recognized with the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his extraordinary efforts to give back. Among his most heartfelt initiatives was the creation of “Dwight Howard’s Big Change for Kids,” which funded a $30,000 state-of-the-art game room at the Florida Hospital for Children. For teenagers facing the uncertainty and stress of treatment, this space became a sanctuary, filled with video games, movies, board games, and learning resources where they could simply be kids again, even if just for a few hours. Howard’s impact didn’t stop there.

Through his D12 Foundation and other charitable programs, he poured energy and resources into scholarships, community events, and initiatives like the Blessings in a Backpack program, which provided meals to children in need. For the Orlando community, Howard wasn’t just a superstar athlete but a role model and a living reminder that greatness is measured by the difference you make in the lives of others.

Can DH12’s legacy change how we remember big men in the NBA?

Dwight Howard is set to step into basketball immortality this Saturday as part of the 2025 Hall of Fame class, with the ceremony airing live at 4:00 p.m. PT on NBA TV. For Howard, the honor goes beyond trophies and stats because it’s a testament to years of hard work. Reflecting on the milestone, he told Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, “Uh, no. I’m just thankful that I’ve put myself in a position to be a Hall of Famer, you know?”

Howard’s journey to Springfield was defined by resilience. He attributes his rise to a combination of discipline, consistency, and unwavering belief in the bigger picture. “My work ethic, my discipline, my sacrifice, consistency, and my faith has got me to the Hall of Fame and it’s an amazing honor to hear everywhere I go that people call me a Hall of Famer.” While Orlando Magic marked the peak of his prime, it was Los Angeles that delivered the championship ring he had long chased.

That 2020 championship still holds special meaning for him. “I think it was just the cherry on top, you know? I think what I did in Orlando was very special for 8 years and then after that continue to play at a very high level — 18 years in the league is a very long time to be consistent on BOTH ends of the floor is amazing.” His words echo how much longevity matters in his story.

And when asked how he’ll enter the Hall, Howard made sure the answer was true to his identity. “I think I’m going into the Hall of Fame as DH12. The basketball player, the philanthropist, the dominant big… that’s DH12 going into the Hall of Fame!” With Shaquille O’Neal among his presenters, despite their rough history, his enshrinement promises to be unforgettable.