Nancy Lieberman Reflects on Dwight Howard’s Legacy and Future: “He’s Going To Be a Hall of Famer”
Basketball legend Nancy Lieberman shared heartfelt thoughts about Dwight Howard’s ongoing passion for the game and his inevitable place among basketball’s greatest. Speaking from the Big3 Draft in Las Vegas, Lieberman praised Howard’s legacy and enduring love for competition.
Nancy Lieberman, a basketball legend, recently expressed her feelings about Dwight Howard during an interview with LandonBuford.com. Her candid reflections highlighted Howard’s enduring love for the game and brought attention to the changing dynamics of professional basketball for aging stars. Lieberman says, “He’s so excited to continue playing, but he can’t believe that the game is saying thank you to him.”
Howard’s journey from NBA phenom to veteran still hungry for competition is an inspiring story that deserves to be told as he faces a Hall of Fame nomination.
Dwight Howard: A Titan of the Paint With an Unfinished Legacy
Dwight Howard has a career that involves dominance, perseverance, and reinvention. Drafted No. 1 overall by the Orlando Magic in 2004, Howard quickly became a defensive force unmatched in the league. From 2009 to 2011, he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year three times (2009–2011) and guided Orlando to the 2009 NBA Finals.
The nickname ‘Superman’ was given to him due to his physicality, rebounding tenacity, and shot-blocking prowess, which he displayed in person and on the basketball court. Howard’s love for basketball remains fervent despite his 18-season NBA career, which included a key role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 championship run. Lieberman’s quote exemplifies that passion:
“He’s going to be a Hall of Famer,” she affirmed, voicing what many around the league already believe.
BIG3 Draft: A New Stage for Old Greatness
Ice Cube, a rapper and entrepreneur, established the BIG3 league to provide a second chance for many former NBA stars. With its unique three-on-three half-court format, the league emphasizes skill, strategy, and basketball IQ, qualities Howard still possesses in abundance. The recent draft in Las Vegas was filled with Howard’s presence. Nancy Lieberman, a coach and former basketball star in her own right, witnessed Howard’s enthusiasm and intensity firsthand.
“He’s excited to continue playing.” According to her suggestion, Howard isn’t solely searching for nostalgia—he’s also seeking competitive fire. The BIG3 league is growing in stature as more basketball legends find new homes, drawing national attention and television deals. Howard’s entry into this arena is not just a snippet—it’s a significant chapter in his legacy’s progression.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame recognizes transcendent greatness, and Dwight Howard fits that mold. Throughout his NBA career, Howard has amassed:
8 All-Star selections
8 All-NBA Team honors
5 All-Defensive Team selections
3 Defensive Player of the Year Awards
A rebounding title 5 times
A block’s title twice
Howard redefined the center position for another generation, not just for the accolades. The late 2000s saw him become the most dominant big man due to his combination of explosiveness, defensive anticipation, and elite rebounding. His critics, who argue that he lacks offensive polish or has tumultuous mid-career team changes, cannot deny the numbers or the impact. Basketball is getting ready to thank Dwight, as Lieberman rightly pointed out. You’ll probably receive a Hall of Fame enshrinement as a thank you.
Nancy Lieberman’s Enduring Influence and Unique Perspective
Nancy Lieberman’s voice is as respected in basketball as anyone else’s. She has been a trailblazer for women in basketball, breaking barriers at every level, from playing in men’s leagues to becoming an accomplished coach in the NBA and BIG3.
Her knowledge of a player’s mindset and legacy is often prescient. Lieberman’s admiration for Howard isn’t just admiration; it’s understanding. She understands what it is like to grow older in a sport that prioritizes youth and feels the need for competition even when the lights have gone down. Howard’s journey is something she deeply appreciates from a deeply personal place.
What the Game Saying “Thank You “Really Means
Lieberman’s quote is filled with feelings: “He can’t believe that the game is saying thank you to him.” The shift from being needed to being remembered is a transition that all great players eventually face, and this is a poetic way to describe it.
The basketball game gives back to its most significant players through tributes, jersey retirements, and Hall of Fame honors. Howard is not saying goodbye but acknowledging his contributions and inviting him to continue shaping the sport in new ways. Whether in the BIG3, overseas (as Howard has played in Taiwan’s T1 League), or eventually in coaching or broadcasting, the game still has room for him. There is still something that Howard can offer.
How Dwight Howard’s Story Inspires a New Generation
Howard’s journey is not only a statistical marvel — it’s a testament to the power of reinventing and resiliency. After injuries and changing roles diminished his NBA stardom, Howard could have faded into obscurity. Instead, he remade himself:
As a locker room leader for the Lakers’ 2020 title team
As a global ambassador playing in Taiwan and beyond
And now, as a competitive presence in the BIG3
Howard’s story serves as a blueprint for young players today: always stay hungry and humble and never lose your love for the game.
Conclusion: A Legacy Cemented, A Chapter Renewed
Nancy Lieberman’s words, spoken with the reverence of a legendary figure, reinforce the notion that Dwight Howard is more than just a former NBA star. He is a Hall of Famer-in-waiting, a supporter of the game, and a depiction of the importance of perseverance. The game may be saying ‘thank you’, but it’s not saying goodbye. Howard’s journey is ongoing, and the best is still to come in many ways.
