“I literally cried for about 30-40 minutes till it was no more tears coming out.” Hearing the news about being the first ballot Hall-of-Famer made Dwight Howard emotional. It’s been two decades since he was the overall #1 pick in the 2004 draft. From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows of not finding a spot in the NBA since the 21-22 season. Juggling through this, the former champion got his deserved call. But even though he had a stacked resume, the 3x DPOY was doubting himself.

That doubt was because of his exclusion from the Top 75 list. Being left out led DH12 to be pessimistic about his chances of being a HoF-er. Appearing on the Legends Of Sport podcast, Howard explained his stance. “That is kind of like, I didn’t even know that it was going to happen, you know, with all the media stuff and everything that was going to happen. I was like, man, ‘they let me off top 75, man. Somebody going to hate on me again. I ain’t going to make it.'”

A panel of reporters, current and former players, coaches, general managers, and team executives was responsible for the section. Til date, Dwight Howard believes it was the media members who let him down. So, his not being optimistic was obvious, but his close friends still believed that the honor was due. “And to get the call, I’m like… Yeah. And my teammates like, ‘Bro, you in, bro. You tripping.’ I’m like, ‘Man, I’m telling you, Top 75 they ain’t let me in.‘”

When the call came, the feeling was unreal. “But to get in it is like getting into heaven. Like really getting into heaven.” Previously, on the NBA TV, the former Lakers star described that it was a big slap to be not part of the Top 75. “So it’s like the 75, yes, it hurt. It was like a big slap in the face to not be on that team.” But that lingering feeling is no more. Because now, he is a 2x Hall of Famer, not only because of his individual career, but because of his contributions to the Redeem Team.

Howard called it a blessing from above. “To go in twice in the same year, man, it’s like God said, ‘You know what, I’m gonna double-pound you with a blessing for being persistent, consistent, and always thanking me for blessing you.’ So, again, all praises go to God.”

Former players came in support during Dwight Howard’s snub

In celebration of its 75th anniversary, the NBA released a list of its 76 greatest players in 2021 due to tie-in votes. And surprisingly, Dwight Howard wasn’t on it. Remember, at the peak of his career, Howard was a rebounding machine and a defensive powerhouse. He racked up double-digit rebounds season after season. The former Lakers star is one of only 13 players in NBA history to average at least 15.7 points and 11.8 rebounds over a career. Let’s not forget his three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards. Despite this, his name was missing, and the former players did not let this slide.

When the list was first announced, Kendrick Perkins said on First Take, “Dwight Howard gets disrespected so much it’s ridiculous.” Dwyane Wade, who had faced Howard during his prime, recalled how exceptionally great he was. “When you talk about these last 25 years, how many names can you think of? And Dwight Howard’s name is not in there?…but Dwight Howard, one, for me, was tough,” D-Wade said on ‘Club Shay Shay’ podcast.

3x All-Star Gilbert Arenas made a bigger claim. “100% of athletes are still wondering how did you make a 75 list without Dwight Howard.” Questioning the media for including the 8x All-Star’s name in the first place. But now, the recognition of NBA 75 will hurt less, since now the former champion is in the Hall of Fame not once but twice.