Dwight Howard’s Omission from NBA 75 List Sparks Debate Among Fans and Analysts

Dwight Howard, the former NBA superstar, has been at the center of a heated debate following his exclusion from the NBA 75 list. The list, which honors the greatest players in NBA history, has sparked widespread discussion among fans and analysts regarding Howard’s omission.

Howard’s achievements during his prime are undeniable. He led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009 and the Eastern Conference Finals in 2010, and he won three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards. His dominance on the court, particularly as a defender and shot blocker, has led many to argue that he deserves a spot on the list.

Fans and commentators have drawn comparisons between Howard’s career and that of Anthony Davis, who was included on the list. Critics argue that Davis’s career, despite his talent, does not match the defensive prowess and team success that Howard achieved during his time with the Orlando Magic. Howard consistently led his team to top-6 defensive rankings for five consecutive years, a feat that Davis did not achieve during his tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Others have pointed out that Howard’s decline after leaving Orlando, partly due to his attempt to develop a post game as advised by commentators like Shaquille O'Neal, may have influenced his exclusion. However, his peak performance and contributions to the game are seen by many as sufficient to warrant inclusion on the NBA 75 list.

The debate highlights the subjective nature of selecting the greatest players in NBA history and the various criteria that can be used to evaluate a player’s career. While some argue that players like Damian Lillard, who also missed the list, may have been overlooked in favor of less deserving candidates, the discussion around Howard’s omission remains one of the most contentious).