Dwight Howard a Generational Talent, Snubbed from NBA Top 75, Says Anthony Davis
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 9: Dwight Howard #39 high-fives Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during Game Five of the NBA Finals on October 9, 2020 at AdventHealth Arena in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
As Dwight Howard’s Hall of Fame induction becomes a hot topic in NBA circles, an ex-teammate is emphasizing his position. Anthony Davis, a Dallas Mavericks star, discussed Howard’s legacy and his place among the game’s greats, especially given Howard’s exclusion from the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
“I think, you know, Dwight should definitely have been in that Top 75 list,” Davis said. “He’s a generational talent. What he was able to do in Orlando to start off his career—phenomenal athlete, defender, multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards. He helped us win the title in 2020.”
In the 2020 NBA bubble, Davis and Howard had a championship run together, with the Lakers capturing the title in a historic and challenging season. Their on-court chemistry was especially notable during the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets, where the Lakers used a rotating group of physical frontcourt defenders, including Howard, to disrupt two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. The last time Los Angeles won the postseason against Denver was in that series.
Howard’s record is impressive: eight-time All-Star, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, five-time All-NBA First Team selection, and the center of an Orlando Magic team that made it to the Finals in 2009. His absence from the NBA’s Top 75 list caused controversy throughout the league. Davis is one of the few high-profile players to publicly express his backing.
Davis’ comments are significant because of his stature in today’s NBA. His admiration for Howard is not solely based on stats and recognition, but also on shared experiences, such as persevering through the 2020 playoffs and raising a banner at Staples Center (now known as Crypto.com Arena).
As Howard’s name continues to be debated among Hall of Fame voters, it’s clear that at least one of his peers sees him as an all-time great.
