Hoops Habit
Fansided

Ranking every first overall pick in NBA history

By Christopher Jeter

MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Miami Heat on November 18, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Miami Heat on November 18, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic, Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors NBA Draft
(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

11. 2004: Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

Even though the last five seasons or so suggest otherwise, there was a time where Dwight Howard was arguably the most dominant big man in the NBA during the late 2000s.

The big man entered the NBA out of high school in 2004 as the number one overall pick for an Orlando Magic team that was fresh off of a 21 win season and trading superstar Tracy McGrady for the remains of Steve Francis.

But thanks to the efforts of Howard, Francis, Grant Hill, and others, the Magic rode their more egalitarian makeup to a 15 win improvement in 2004-05. After that, Howard developed into arguably the best two-way center in the game, as he averaged 19.4 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks over the next six seasons, leading the Magic to the postseason in each of those years.

While he didn’t have a refined post game, Howard was able to dominate on offense and defense using his elite athleticism, which made up for his lack of skills.

Once the back injuries began to pile up though, Howard lost a lot of what made him special. Compound that with his personality rubbing people the wrong way and his incessant need to get a ton of post touches as though he’s Wilt Chamberlain in his prime, and Howard quickly went from being a perennial All-Star to simply being a guy in the league.

When he was healthy, Howard was one of the best at his position, but as every year passes, it gets easier and easier to forget about those glory days.