Dwight Howard Picks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar As His GOAT, Pays Tribute To NBA Legends In His Hall Of Fame Speech

Dwight Howard’s Hall of Fame speech was a mix of humor, gratitude, and reflection, a reminder of how much the game meant to him and how deeply he respected the legends who came before him. As he took the stage, Howard was escorted by Shaquille O’Neal, Dominique Wilkins, Robert Parish, and Patrick Ewing,four giants of the game who represented the very standard he had spent his career chasing.

"And I'm able to be walked out here by some of the greatest NBA legends ever. So first I want to shout out to the Chief. The Chief, my grandma used to love the Chief. So I want to give you a shout out for walking me out. You also, my first year in the league, we went down to IMG and you was one of my biggest inspirations. So thank you." 

"Shout out to Bill Russell. May he rest in peace. This year marks 50 years since his enshrinement. Your book, Russell Rules, allowed me to understand the game at a whole different level. That book taught me about leadership and the importance of staying committed to my goals."

"Also rest in peace, Dikembe Mutombo. One of the greatest defenders and shot blockers ever. You motivated me to challenge every shot and battle for every shot. So thank you."

"Kareem, I wish you could be here because you are my GOAT. You are the only player in NBA history to have two Hall of Fame careers. One as Lou Alcindor and the other as Kareem. I'm gonna get me a new name to come back and play y’all."

"Dennis Rodman, I know you couldn't make it here today, but you were one of my favorite players all the time and the greatest rebounder ever. Watching you helped me lead the league five times. It made sure every time I dominated the glass."

"Dominique, seeing you here at my first high school game made me believe that my NBA career and my dream was at reach. So thank you for inspiring me. Patrick Ewing, not only were you my coach, but you was my mentor in Orlando. In every game I wanted to win so I could just walk around and do like this." 

"Just being in your presence pushed me to want to be a great center, knowing that I was being coached by one of the greatest centers of all time." 

"Shaq. We did not always see eye to eye, but in hindsight, I believe it was just sibling rivalries. We are brothers in this fraternity of basketball, and sometimes brothers fight over the stupidest stuff. I really blame Soulja Boy, y'all." 

"I just want y’all to know that the two original Superman is in the building today, and it's an honor to have you walk me out into this arena of greatness."

Howard opened with a heartfelt shoutout to Robert Parish, “The Chief,” recalling how his grandmother adored the Celtics great. He shared that Parish had been one of his earliest inspirations during a visit to IMG Academy in his rookie year. 

He then turned his focus to the late Bill Russell, marking the 50th anniversary of Russell’s enshrinement. Howard explained how Russell’s book Russell Rules, changed his perspective on leadership and discipline. 

Dikembe Mutombo, another giant who passed recently, also earned a moving tribute. Howard said Mutombo’s defensive prowess pushed him to contest every shot and to make defense his calling card. 

Then came the most powerful declaration of the night: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as his personal GOAT. It was both reverent and playful, a classic Dwight Howard moment, but it carried a serious message: to him, Kareem embodied ultimate greatness.

He continued to thank Dennis Rodman, whom he hailed as the greatest rebounder ever. Howard credited Rodman’s relentless energy for motivating him to lead the league in rebounding five times. 

Dominique Wilkins, who had attended one of Howard’s high school games, was honored for sparking the belief that his NBA dreams were within reach.

Patrick Ewing, his coach and mentor in Orlando, was singled out for his influence. To Howard, being coached by one of the greatest centers of all time validated his own rise.

Finally, he addressed Shaquille O’Neal. Their rivalry was infamous, but Howard dismissed the bad blood as “sibling rivalry.” He joked that Soulja Boy was to blame, before proudly declaring that “the two original Supermen” were finally standing side by side.

For a player often misunderstood, Dwight Howard’s Hall of Fame speech was his chance to show gratitude. By saluting the legends and naming Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as his GOAT, Howard cemented his place in basketball history while acknowledging the lineage of greatness that inspired his journey.