Dwight Howard:
The New Apostle to The NBA
March 2005
Dwight Howard was the first overall pick in the
NBA draft in 2004. The 19-year-old graduate of Southwest Atlanta
Christian Academy is only the third prep player in history to be
the top pick in the NBA Draft. Despite all the pressure surrounding
a teenage athlete turning pro right out of high school, Howard seems
to be years ahead of the game in more ways than one.
In an era when professional athletes' names have
shown up almost as frequently in police reports as in opponents'
scouting reports, Howard sees himself being an impact player of
a different breed. One who will change the face of the NBA with
his Christian values along with his athletic prowess.
Breakaway is producing a video resource featuring
Dwight Howard that will be used as an outreach tool in juvenile
detention centers. Our crew caught up with him in Orlando where
he is focused on helping the Orlando Magic return to the NBA playoffs.
"I think my character will stand out," says Howard,
the 6-10 forward. "It's not just about basketball. It's about changing
people's lives on the court and off the court."
Dwight says that a lot of people believe he wants
to come in and stand on a podium with a Bible and say, "Here's Jesus.
Come and get Him." But Howard's game plan is simple. He won't beat
people over the head with faith. He says he will let his actions
speak. But when the opportunity presents itself, he will talk boldly
about his personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The new "apostle" to the NBA became subject to a
great deal of criticism after he said he dreamed the cross had been
incorporated into the NBA logo. New York Knicks guard Allan Houston
is another NBA player with strong Christian values. He says it's
refreshing to see someone as young as Howard take such a bold stance
for God.
"Whenever anybody stands up for what they believe
is right and it goes against the grain, they are going to seem out
of place," Houston says. "But anything he encounters will be extremely
minor in comparison to the rewards he'll receive in terms of character
and eternal life. He's very passionate about his vision and his
purpose. His purpose is to show a Godly character. I think he'll
be respected more than people expect."
Howard's teammates and coaches say that he has the
talent, size, and skills to become one of the best basketball players
in the game within three or four years.
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