'Made Me Go Harder' – Former Atlanta Hawks Star’s Visit Gave HOF Center Boost to Pursue NBA Dreams

“It was just so crazy because I remember him coming to my first high school, well, it was our first high school game at our new gym. They thought that the gym was going to be big enough to fit everybody because we’re a small school. I literally only had 16 people in my class,” Howard said.

“The gym was so packed. The track was packed. Downstairs in the lobby was packed. They were streaming the game from the VCR outside on a TV because it was so packed… The fire marshal said we might have to shut it down. But Dominique was there, so they let it continue.”

“That just made me go harder every morning because I’m like, man, these people are watching me now. And it’s because my work ethic was insane.”

His dream eventually became true after the Magic drafted him with the No. 1 pick in 2004 and immediately became one of the best young big men in the NBA.

How well did Howard play for the Atlanta Hawks?

Most fans recognize Howard as an icon for the Magic. After all, that’s where he spent most of his prime years. However, he also played one season for the Atlanta Hawks. Being from Atlanta, it was a special time for the former NBA star’s career.

With the Hawks, he appeared in 74 games, averaging 13.5 points, 12.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. Although he wasn’t in his prime anymore, he still offered a lot for the Atlanta team. He also had a few highlights during his lone season.

The Atlanta Hawks made the playoffs that year but were eliminated in the first round against the Boston Celtics in six games. During that stretch, Howard averaged eight points and 10.7 rebounds.