ORLANDO, Fla. — Dwight Howard's Magic career received a permanent spot in the arena affectionately known as the "Dwight House" when he played in Orlando. The franchise welcomed him into its Hall of Fame on Monday afternoon at the Kia Center.

He also was honored after the first quarter of Orlando's home game Monday against the Los Angeles Lakers, which the Magic won 118-106. 

“Dwight Howard left an undeniable imprint on the history of the Orlando Magic,” Magic Chief Executive Officer Alex Martins said. “From being the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, to our trip to the 2009 NBA Finals, Dwight’s work helped us achieve great success during his eight seasons in a Magic uniform, both on the court and in the community."

His return marked a welcome home of sorts for the player who started his NBA career in Orlando at 18 years old, grew into one of the league's top players and eventually asked to be traded in what turned out to be a tumultuous time for the franchise.

But during his career in Orlando, he thrilled the fans with dominating defense and powerful dunks. Howard became the most decorated player in Magic history as the team's starting center from 2004-12. He was named to the All-NBA First Team in five consecutive seasons from 2007-12 and also made the All-NBA Third Team in the 2006-07 season.

He captured the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2008, 2009, 2010, received NBA All-Defensive First Team honors four consecutive times from 2008-12 and was All-Defensive Second Team once (2007-08).

In his emotional induction speech, Howard thanked the DeVos family, who own the Magic; Otis Smith, who was the assistant general manager who played a key role in drafting Howard; his teammates, especially point guard Jameer Nelson, who came to the team with him in 2004, and his teammates on the NBA Finals team, including Nelson and Rashard Lewis, who was at Monday's ceremony; and his coaches.

He devoted extra time to his longtime Magic coach, Stan Van Gundy, 

"Stan meant a lot to me, you guys. If it wasn't for Stan, there wouldn't be Dwight," Howard said. "I know we had a falling out and we had some disagreements, but Stan was my little guy. He pushed me. He held me accountable for everything, and it really helped me with my life. One thing I learned from Stan was preparation. He had us prepared for everything. ... And that preparation led us to a lot of success."

Howard also wanted the city of Orlando and Magic fans to know how much they mean to him. He said they made him feel like anything could be accomplished.

"It's a memory I never, ever want to forget is the memory of Orlando. My time here with you guys was amazing. Being 18, coming from a real small, faith-based school, small church to the Orlando Magic family, I felt so much love. I felt like anything could be done, anything could be possible with this city. I wanted to put this city on the map. Every game, every event, everywhere I went around the world was about the Orlando Magic and these fans. You all were there every night with your blue and white on, loud and proud....

"Thank you, fans. We went through a lot, had some rough times, some boos, some cheers, some bad signs that I've seen. But in all, it's a memory that I never want to ever forget — that's the people of Orlando. Ya'll took a young 18-year-old in, and ya'll showed me so much love throughout all my mistakes, my faults, the good times. This city has always been my home....It will always, forever be my home. You guys will always be my family. I love you guys forever. Thank you for this moment. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of Orlando Magic history and that No. 12." 

The entire induction ceremony is available on the Orlando Magic X account.

Howard had plenty to remember. He was selected as an NBA All-Star six seasons in a row, from 2007-12, and led all vote-getters in 2009 and 2012. He won the NBA All-Star dunk contest in 2008. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2004-05, was NBA Player of the Month six times and NBA Player of the Week 18 times, both franchise records. Howard was also the recipient of the Rich and Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award a team-record six times (2004-05, 2007-12), given to the player who dedicates his efforts beyond the basketball court to enhance the lives of others.

During his eight-year Magic career, Howard appeared in 621 regular-season games, including 620 starts. He averaged 18.4 points, 13 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.16 blocks and 1.01 steals per game while averaging 36.2 minutes. He also shot 57.7% from the floor. In 57 playoff games with Orlando, Howard averaged 19.9 points, 14.4  rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.77 blocks in 39.4 minutes per game. He was integral to the Magic reaching the 2009 NBA Finals against the Lakers and as far as the Eastern Conference Finals in 2010.

He remains the franchise leader in points scored (11,435), rebounds (8,072), blocked shots (1,344), free throws made (3,366), free throws attempted (5,727) and minutes played (22,471).

Howard is the 13th person selected to the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame — joining co-founder Pat Williams, first draft pick and now community ambassador Nick Anderson, All-Star center Shaquille O’Neal (2015), owner Rich DeVos (2016), All-Star guard Anfernee Hardaway (2017), co-founder and former co-owner Jimmy Hewitt (2017), All-Star guard Tracy McGrady (2018), announcer David Steele (2019), guard Darrell Armstrong (2020), former General Manager John Gabriel (2022), former coach Brian Hill (2022) and forward Dennis Scott (2023).

Howard is also a finalist for this year's class in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, which will be announced during college basketball's Final Four in early April.