The tears still come easily when Dwight Howard talks about the 2021 snub that blindsided him. Not making the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team wasn’t just a disappointment – it felt like basketball itself had forgotten what he’d accomplished. But standing in Springfield as a Hall of Famer, Howard found something better than validation. He found perspective.
Why Does Dwight Howard Still Feel the Sting of Missing the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team?
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has always served as the ultimate validation for basketball legends. We’ve witnessed iconic moments like Michael Jordan’s emotional breakdown during his 2009 induction speech, where his tears streamed down his face as he reflected on a legendary career.
For most players, reaching Springfield represents the pinnacle of professional achievement. But even in moments of triumph, some wounds refuse to heal. This time, it was Howard who opened up about a snub that still stings.
In an interview before the Hall of Fame induction main event on September 6, Howard revealed how much it hurt when he was left off the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
“So it’s like the 75, yes, it hurts. You know it was like a big slap in the face to not be on that team,” stated Howard during the interview.
Dwight Howard says it was like a ‘big slap in the face’ to not make the NBA’s 75th anniversary team:
“But to go in the Hall of Fame twice in the same year… man it’s like God said… I’m gonna double pound you with a blessing.”
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)pic.twitter.com/mguEcCiix4
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 6, 2025
The team was announced during the 2021-22 season to celebrate the league’s diamond anniversary, following the tradition of the 50th Anniversary Team that was unveiled back in 1996.
Legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell carried over from the original 50, while modern icons such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo were added to complete the 75.
Crazy to see all these legends of the game in one photo 🔥 pic.twitter.com/UvlNC3crQK
— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) March 13, 2025
Howard, however, was nowhere to be found on the list, a snub that left him stunned. The omission stung especially deep for someone who had dominated the paint throughout the 2000s and early 2010s.
How Did Howard Turn His Hall of Fame Double Induction Into a Blessing?
During this recent interview, Howard demonstrated remarkable maturity and perspective. While acknowledging the initial hurt from the 75th Anniversary Team snub, he emphasized that his double induction into the Hall of Fame – both as an individual player and as part of the 2008 Olympic team – represents something far more meaningful.
“But to go into the Hall of Fame. Not only for what I did in contributions for myself, but to help the USA team win a gold medal and to go in twice in the same year, man, it’s like God said, I’m gonna double pound you with a blessing. For being persistent and always thanking me for blessing you,” added Howard during the interview.
Hall-of-Famer @DwightHoward!
🇺🇸 #USABfamily x #25HoopClass pic.twitter.com/UZzcZ5K9Sd
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) September 6, 2025
Howard’s career accomplishments certainly support his Hall of Fame credentials. He entered the NBA in 2004 straight out of high school as the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic. Over the next eight seasons, he transformed the franchise into a contender and even led them to the 2009 NBA Finals.
Nicknamed “Superman” for his freakish athleticism, he became the face of defense in the league and won three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards. In his 18-year career that saw him play 1,242 games, he averaged 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. He also received eight All-Star nominations and five All-NBA First Team selections.
Beyond individual honors, Howard played a crucial role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 championship run in the Orlando bubble. His veteran presence and defensive anchor helped deliver the franchise’s 17th title.
What Made Howard’s Olympic Experience So Special?
Howard’s resume extends beyond NBA achievements. He was also part of the star-studded 2008 U.S. Olympic “Redeem Team” that reclaimed gold in Beijing.
THE 2008 REDEEM TEAM.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (h/t @ohnohedidnt24)
pic.twitter.com/5xUhXcWvxN
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) September 7, 2025
That Olympic experience provided redemption for American basketball after disappointing showings in 2002 and 2004. Howard’s defensive presence helped anchor a roster loaded with offensive firepower, proving his value on basketball’s biggest stage.
Howard wasn’t alone in the spotlight this year, as New York Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony joined him in the Hall of Fame, alongside WNBA greats like Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Sylvia Fowles. Together, their enshrinement added another historic chapter to basketball’s legacy.
