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NBA Legend Dwight Howard Announces Retirement Amid Family Troubles

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Mar 12, 2026 5:15 PM ET

Dwight Howard hasn't played in the NBA since the 2021-22 season, and yet, he didn't announce his retirement until this Thursday.

Howard, an eight-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, started his career with the Orlando Magic. He eventually bounced around the league, spending time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers.

Earlier this Thursday, Howard posted his retirement letter on social media. He talked about giving back to his community during the next chapter of his career.

"Woke up today on the 12th of this month and I figured it’s time to move on from Superman! Im no super human… I cry ! I struggle! I feel like everyone else. Through the lies, the media and the hate I still show love and Smile Through The Storm. But now Im taking off the cape and retiring from all basketball to pour into my family and give back to communities worldwide. I know some of you might think I thought he already ‘retired’ but I didn’t… the game retired me," Howard wrote.

"I still had more left to give ! Yeah I did play professionally for 20 years and Im grateful to be able to say that but I can’t lie seeing these other players still going at it at age 40 inspired me to want to keep trying but now I believe my duty will be to pass it down to the next generation. So Thank you to all my fans and supporters throughout this journey I love and appreciate yall dearly because without yall it would be no me."

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - FEBRUARY 19: Center Dwight Howard #12 of the Taoyuan Leopards reacts at the courtside during the T1 League game between TaiwanBeer HeroBears and Taoyuan Leopards at University of Taipei Tianmu Gymnasium on February 19, 2023 in Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images)Gene Wang/Getty Images

It was a legendary run for Dwight.

Despite waiting until today to announce his retirement, Howard has already been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Howard averaged 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game during his NBA career. He was undoubtedly the best defensive center in the game when he was on the Magic.

The timing of Howard's announcement is a bit unfortunate. According to TMZ, he recently called the cops on his wife Amber because she allegedly took "several of his prized personal belongings."

That being said, we want to congratulate Howard on an incredible NBA career.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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