Even though Shaquille O’Neal might not directly speak to Dwight Howard, he indirectly did reciprocate his feelings. After Howard’s Top 75 snub, Shaq uploaded a story in his support. It was from coach Stan Van Gundy who managed Howard from 2007 to 2012 and claimed him to be the top 3 players in the league at the time. But they aren’t the only ones to share the sentiment. With immense respect for Howard, Gilbert Arenas argued with all his might to place the Lakers star in a category more.

Appearing on DH12, the former Wizards star spoke highly of his teammate. Arenas highlighted the playoff game from the 2010-11 season where Dwight Howard scored a career-high 46 points, also contributing with 19 rebounds. For the entire season, Howard averaged 22.9 points 14.1 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. Managed to score more during the playoffs.

His playoff average for the season was once again a career-high 27 points plus 15.5 rebounds. From 2009 to 2011, he earned back-to-back DPOY of the Year awards. And still remains the only player to win it three consecutive seasons. Arenas also explained that if not for Howard’s injury, he would have catapulted to another stratosphere.

As per the 3x All-Star, it was the back injury that ruined Dwight Howard’s chances. He suffered from a herniated disk in his back and had to undergo surgery. Howard recalls it to be the scariest of injuries, a small misstep could have confined him to a wheelchair. He continued nonetheless, but with the pressure of fans and fear, only to incur another injury and bring down his average from 20 to 17 points.

Because of it, he wasn’t able to reach his prime, but that shouldn’t be the reason to not include him Top 75 said Arenas. When asked if Howard deserved to be in the HOF, Arenas didn’t think twice, “Fu** Yeah!” 

His non-selection was a hot debate. Dwyane Wade was shocked about it and Stan Van Gundy called it ‘ridiculous.’ Gilbert Arenas also stated that at least 75% of the NBA players are still in disbelief. On his podcast, he explained why media having that much power was a wrong move.

Dwight Howard and his non-selection for TOP 75 questioned by Arenas’ crew

“It still boggles every single player who’s ever played this game… If we had to put this s**t in numbers, he’s going to be top 25. So how’s he not 75?” said Gilbert Arenas. Explaining that the current analyst shouldn’t be allowed to vote. Crew member, Kenyon Martin called out Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith.

“As athletes, we have a problem with Skips, the Stephen A’s, these people… you’ve never laced up and you don’t know what it took for these guys to become who they are.” Even player-turned-analyst Kendrick Perkins voiced his displeasure directly at Smith. The ESPN analyst would later question Anthony Davis’ inclusion over Howard.

From teammates to rivals, to former coaches majority of the people have expressed their disbelieve over Dwight Howard’s omission. Recently, he even hinted at retirement from the NBA. And Although TOP 75 and Hall of Fame are very different recognition, Gilbert Arenas wants the recognition sooner rather than later for Howard.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”