59 wins. A dominant march to the NBA Finals. A Game 6 masterpiece that sent LeBron James packing. Orlando Magic fans talk about the 2008-09 season like it was just last week. But while most fans relive those moments through highlights and memories, one dedicated fan went the extra mile and preserved a time capsule for the power forward.

 The 2008-09 season was something special for the Magics. It was Orlando’s 20th year in the league and at the center of it was a 23-year-old Dwight Howard. After the takedown of LeBron’s Cavs, Magic was ready for their trip to the Finals. Howard drained 40 points and 10 boards against Cleveland to punch their ticket. But fate had some other plans for them. The dream ended against Kobe’s Lakers in five. But this season will always be one of the best for both Magic fans and Dwight Howard.

Fast forward to today, Howard’s walking into the Kia Center when a die-hard Magic fan steps up. This guy had receipts enough to blow Howard’s mind. Every newspaper clipping, every headline, every highlight from that ‘09 run, all neatly stacked into a collection book.

Howard flipped through the pages, his face shifting between shock and pure nostalgia. The monster dunks. The clutch blocks. The Finals run. Every headline, every highlight, it was all right there, frozen in time. His voice barely above a whisper, he muttered, “No way.” Sixteen years. It’s been sixteen years and yet, Orlando never forgot.

Dwight Howard’s Orlando legacy: A hoop era written in the franchise’s history books

“Dwight Howard left an undeniable imprint on the history of the Orlando Magic,” said CEO Alex Martins. “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,” Martins made that statement while announcing Howard’s Hall of Fame induction. You can’t just stumble into a Hall of Fame induction, you have to make your way in. And if you wonder how Howard did that, let’s take a little trip down memory lane.

At his peak, Dwight Howard was more of a straight-up cheat code. From 2007 to 2012, he made the All-NBA First Team five straight times, more than any other Magic player in history. In the 2009-10 season, he became the first unanimous First-Team selection in franchise history. His offensive game had defenders sweating, but let’s talk about what really made him a nightmare: his defense. Howard won three straight Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2008 to 11. That time, If you dared to drive inside, you were either getting blocked into the stands or forced into a shot so bad even your coach pretended he didn’t see it.

In those years, Howard was rewriting Orlando’s record books. He still holds the franchise’s top spots for most NBA Player of the Month wins (six) and NBA Player of the Week awards (18). Yes, Howard has indeed given his 110% on the court for Orlando. But you would be wrong if you think that Howard was limited to the court. He was both the Superman on and off the court for Orlando. 

He won the Rich and Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award six times more than any other Magic player. This award recognizes players who have dedicated their efforts off the court to enhancing the lives of others through community involvement and charitable work. So whether it was working with kids, supporting local charities, or just lifting up the community, Howard made sure his presence in Orlando meant more than basketball.

And now he’s finally getting his flowers. After years of dedication, Dwight Howard’s name is exactly where it belongs, among the greats.