Dwight David Howard (born December 8, 1985) is an American professional basketball player for the Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Howard, who plays center, spent his high school career at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. He chose to forgo college and entered the 2004 NBA draft, and was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic. An eight-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA Team honoree, five-time All-Defensive Team member, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Howard has been ranked consistently as one of the best in the league in rebounds, blocks, and field goal percentage. He set numerous franchise and league records during his time with the Magic, and in 2009, he led the Magic to the NBA Finals. In 2012, after eight seasons with the Magic, Howard was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. After one season with the Lakers, he joined the Houston Rockets, where he spent three seasons. One-season stints followed with the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets, before he joined the Wizards in July 2018.