Dwight Howard Wants to Change the Image of the NBA

Some young men who are only 20 haven't decided upon a career. They don't yet know what they want in life. Even if they are in college, they may not yet be settled and may or may not have even picked a major.

Dwight Howard is not like other young men who are only 20. The NBA star, who has already played two seasons as a power forward/center for the Orlando Magic wants to change the image of the NBA. He also wants to live out his Christian faith, live a pure life, and help people who have needs.

Howard, nicknamed "The Man Child," skipped college to join the NBA right out of his high school - Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. In his first season in 2004, he averaged 12 points per game and 10 rebounds. In his second season he averaged 15.8 points per game, to go along with 12.5 rebounds. In 2005, his second season, he was second in the league in rebounds per game and first in total rebounds at 1022. He was also the first player who played in all 82 games for his team after coming right out of high school.

In his first season, the number one draft pick of the NBA, had a season high 29 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 29. He was one of the few rookies ever, and the youngest ever, to average a double-double (at least ten points and at least ten rebounds) for a whole season. Dwight Howard is the youngest NBA player ever to average ten rebounds a game for a season. Three times Howard grabbed at least 20 rebounds, making him the youngest NBA player ever to grab that many.

He was also selected to the 2005 NBA Got Milk? Rookie Challenge and was unanimously selected to the All-NBA Rookie Team. ESPN stat room analysts have compared Dwight Howard to Hakeem Olajuwon, because of his inside presence.

In his second season, "The Man Child" scored 21 points and grabbed 20 rebounds against Charlotte on November 15, as he became the youngest player ever to score 20 or more points and grab 20 or more rebounds. Many NBA analysts expect the star to become a top scorer soon on a daily basis, as he often has been already. On April 15, 2006, Dwight Howard pulled down 28 rebounds, to go along with his 26 points, against the Philadelphia 76er's.