Recently, former Orlando Magic big man Dwight Howard was named a member of the 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame class, alongside Carmelo Anthony. Typically, these Hall of Fame inductions are reserved for retired basketball players. Howard has not appeared in an NBA game in over three years. However, the soon-to-be Hall of Famer made it clear that he is not officially done yet.
In a recent interview, Howard said he is still open to a comeback. Furthermore, he said he wants to become the first active Hall of Famer to play in the NBA.
“Of course,” Howard says about leaving the door open for a return. “That would be crazy because it would be history — I would be the first active Hall of Famer. That would be big news, the first active Hall of Famer to play in the NBA.”
Orlando Magic Legend Dwight Howard Reveals Unprecedented NBA Goal
Dwight Howard Has Lobbied for an NBA Comeback Before
This is not the only time Howard has campaigned for a return to the NBA. In February, the Atlanta native said he has yet to retire and would like to go back to the NBA. Additionally, Howard specifically said he would like to play with LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers one more time.
“I have not officially retired yet, but I don’t know what I’m going to do yet,” Howard said on Podcast P with Paul George.
“I thought I was going to get back in the league, but Paul said he didn’t want nobody over 35 playing center… I asked LeBron. He said he wanted Bronny and he said he’s trying to get Bryce. The last time I told LeBron he said, listen I’m trying to get Bronny and Bryce to be on the Lakers and I’m trying to get Savannah to be– he’s going to be the owner of the team so it’s a family affair, the whole James family. But no man, I really enjoyed my time with the Lakers. Obviously playing with LeBron, it’s a great memory playing with the Lakers. As far as retirement, man, I just wanted to play as long as I could play, and retire when I feel like retiring, not when somebody else tells me I should or stuff like that.”
Howard one a championship in Los Angeles alongside James during the 2020 Bubble.
The Last Word
Howard is one of the best big men of this generation. At his peak, he was a defensive force and was one of the most dominant big men in the game. However, he has not been in his prime for a long time. Howard turned 39 in December. Additionally, he has not been a regular starter since the 2017-18 season. During that stretch, he played and started 81 games as a member of the Charlotte Hornets. If given a chance, Howard could prove he still has some left in the tank. However, this seems highly unlikely. Regardless, this may be an interesting development to follow.
© Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
