Greatest shot blocker in each NBA team’s history

Best shot blocker in Orlando Magic history: Dwight Howard

There’s a reason Dwight Howard garnered the nickname “Superman” during his days with the Orlando Magic, and it had nothing to do with the superhero himself. Rather, like Shaq before him, Dwight was a dominant force at both ends of the court who created matchup problems consistently.

Howard dubbed himself “Chocolate Shoulders”, and for good reason. Those, along with his arms, chest and legs, were incredibly large, giving him a physical advantage over every other center in the league.

On dives to the rim, he was as terrifying as they come for defenders, because not only could he go through guys, he had incredible hops that allowed him to go over the top of them as well. There wasn’t anyone who could keep him away from the bucket. When he got the ball there, it was pretty much over for the other team.

Howard’s rebounding was superb, again due to his physical makeup. He didn’t even really have to box out, he could just out jump most guys for the ball, leading to five seasons with the most rebounds per game.

Then, there was his rim protection, by far the best in the league at the time. His blocks per game average of 2.2 while in Orlando doesn’t even do his skills justice. As such an intimidating presence, he altered plenty more.

His image has been sullied somewhat after bouncing around the league, but this was a guy regarded by many as a top-five player in the league during his prime, who pretty much single-handedly led the Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009.

A three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Howard is likely heading to the Hall of Fame who, when at his best, was an amazing spectacle at both ends.