Former NBA star Dwight Howard officially announced his retirement through a post on social media. Howard posted a video montage of his life from a small child to now on Instagram and announced that it was finally time for him to hang up.
"Woke up today on the 12th of this month and thought it was time to move on from Superman!" Howard wrote on social media. "I'm not a super person... I cry! I struggle! I feel just like everyone else. Through lies, media and hate I still show love and smile through the storm.
"But now I'm retiring from all basketball to help my family and give back to communities around the world. I know some of you may think I thought I already 'retired', but I didn't...the game retired me! I still have so much left to give!"
Dwight Howard said in his social media post that he wished he had a retirement tour like some of his teammates or played into his 40s, but his new mission is to support the next generation of players. He also said that in honor of his number, number 12, he is declaring the 12th of every month as 'D12 Day' where he will visit cities around the world and perform random acts of kindness.
Howard also revealed that he has a documentary in the works and plans to release it this year. The film is believed to show his journey from grade school to the NBA.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft, Howard had not appeared in the league since the 2021–22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame last September.
During his 18 years in the NBA, he played for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers. His career averages are 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.8 blocked shots.
