Joanne Mattern - Dwight Howard: Basketball Superstar

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On November 15, 2005, the Orlando Magic faced the Charlotte Bobcats. The Magics19-year-old center , Dwight Howard, put on a show. In the first half, Howard scored15 points. He also grabbed nine rebounds .

center a basketball player who usually plays near the basket and is often the tallestplayer on the team

rebound the act of gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot

Howard continued his attack in the second half. He scored another six points. Hedidnt let up on the boards either.

board a rebound in basketball

By the end of the game Howard had a new record. He was the youngest player ever toscore at least 20 points and grab 20 rebounds in one game.

Dwight David Howard was born December 8, 1985. He grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. Sportswere important to his family. His father was the athletic director at Southwest AtlantaChristian Academy. Both of his parents played college sports. Howard started playingbasketball when he was 9 years old.

Howard played high school basketball for Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. Infour years he averaged more than 16 points and 13 rebounds per game. In his seniorseason, he won two National Player of the Year awards. Reporters called him the besthigh school player in the country.

average to find the typical number of points scored or rebounds grabbed in each game

I want to be the best player ever in my era.Dwight Howard

CHAPTER 3

STRAIGHT TO THE PROS

Howards hoops skills took him straight to the National Basketball Association (NBA).In 2004 the Orlando Magic picked him in the first round of the draft . In his firstseason, Howard averaged 12 points a game. He also became the youngest player to averageat least 10 rebounds a game.

draft the process of choosing a person to join a sports team

In 20052006 Howard learned to be a better defender . He had a career-high 26 reboundsin one game. By seasons end he led the NBA with 1,022 rebounds. This total included734 defensive rebounds.

defender a player who tries to keep the other team from scoring

MAGIC NUMBER

As a child, Howard was a huge fan of Kevin Garnett. When Garnett played for the MinnesotaTimberwolves, he wore jersey number 21. To honor Garnett, Howard wears number 12on his jersey. Howards number is Garnetts old number reversed.

Howard had a fantastic 20062007 season. He averaged 17.6 points and 12.3 reboundsper game. The Magic reached the NBA playoffs. In 20072008 his numbers increased.He averaged 20.7 points and 14.2 rebounds per game. After the season, Howard helpedthe U.S. Olympic basketball team win a gold medal.

The NBA is not for everybody ... it seems so easy from just watching, but on thecourt it is a whole different level. Dwight Howard

The Magic reached the NBA Finals in 2009 but lost. Howards playoff numbers wereamazing. He scored 467 points and grabbed 353 rebounds in 23 games. His 20092010season was good, but the next season was even better. Howard averaged 22.9 pointsand 14.1 rebounds per game. He averaged 14.5 rebounds in 20112012. It was the sixthtime he led the league in rebounding.

HELPING OTHERS

Howard cares about people in need. He often gives money to groups that help children.In 2010 Howard started the Dwight Howard Fund. It raises money for childrens educationand recreation projects in Haiti.

CHAPTER 4

TEAM PLAYER

In just a few seasons, Howard has helped the Magic build a winning team. He is ateam player on both ends of the court. His solid shooting gives the Magic a booston offense. His excellent rebounding opens up more chances to score. He hopes hisskills will lead to an NBA championship someday.