Dwight Howard’s Expansive Vision of NBA Centers
Dwight Howard, the Hall of Fame former center for the Houston Rockets, is making headlines once again with his evolving perspective on the greatest big men in basketball history. In a recent discussion with longtime NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Howard shared a fresh take that has expanded beyond his previous selections for an all-time “Mount Rushmore” of centers.
A Changing Landscape of Greatness
Back in 2014, Howard unveiled what he considered to be the essential four names in the pantheon of NBA centers, a list that notably included himself. “So one day, me being up there—I’m gonna go with Shaq [Shaquille O’Neal], Bill Russell, Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar],” he stated, highlighting the supremacy of centers in the league’s history. His original Mount Rushmore was a definitive statement that centers deserved a place of honor, emphasizing, “They can’t take centers off of Mount Rushmore. So this is my centers Mount Rushmore.”
Beyond Four: The Wall of Bigs
However, during his latest conversation with Robinson, Howard argued that a mere four-player Mount Rushmore is inadequate to encapsulate the breadth of talent among NBA centers. “You have to have a Wall of Bigs,” he asserted, setting the stage for a more inclusive discussion about basketball greatness.
In this expanded vision, Howard added two additional legends to his list, stating, “You gotta have Dream [Hakeem Olajuwon], Wilt Chamberlain, Yao [Ming], Patrick Ewing” alongside his original selections. This Wall of Bigs reflects a deeper appreciation for the impact these players have had on the game.
Howard’s Houston Connection
During his time with the Rockets, Howard played alongside superstar guard James Harden, averaging 16.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game over three seasons. His performance was marked by an impressive shooting percentage of 60.1% from the field, although his free throw shooting at 52.3% left something to be desired.
Howard’s most notable achievements came during his tenure with the Orlando Magic, where he established himself as one of the league’s premier centers, earning six All-Star selections and three Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Legacy of Legends
Both Hakeem Olajuwon and Yao Ming are celebrated figures not only in Houston but throughout the basketball world. Olajuwon, a 12-time All-Star, led the Rockets to back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s greats. Meanwhile, Yao Ming, an eight-time All-Star, may not have enjoyed the same depth of playoff success, but his partnership with Tracy McGrady propelled the franchise to multiple postseason appearances.
As Howard’s views continue to evolve, his Wall of Bigs serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of centers in the NBA, showcasing the towering figures who have shaped the game and left an indelible mark on basketball history.
