Rare Photos Of Dwight Howard

Orlando All-Star center Dwight Howard has quickly made a name for himself in the NBA. After becoming the first overall pick in the 2004 draft, the Atlanta native has a long professional resume, which includes (among many other achievements) two back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards, four All-Star appearances, an All-Star Slam Dunk title (an unforgettable one at that) and two Olympic gold medals. As he and the Magic look to avenge their 2009 Finals loss this postseason, here's a look some of the big man's best shots ...Starting with this one, taken just days before he selected No. 1 in the '04 draft.

While at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, the teenage Howard (12) hinted at a successful future in defending the rim. His shot-blocking and leaping abilities helped SACA to the 2004 Georgia state title.

In his four years at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, Howard averaged 16.6 points, 13.4 rebounds and 6.3 blocks per game at power forward.

He racked up numerous accolades his senior season, including the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award, Gatorade National Player of the Year honors and McDonald's National High School Player of the Year honors. He and current Denver Nugget J.R. Smith were named co-MVPs of the McDonald's High School All-American Game in 2004.

Believe it or not, Howard was a Celtic at one point in his career. An Atlanta Celtic, that is. He played AAU basketball with current Atlanta Hawks Josh Smith and Randolph Morris.

Howard also played alongside current Chicago Bull Joakim Noah at the EA Sports Roundball Classic in Chicago in 2004.

The summer before his senior year of high school, Howard was invited to the now-defunct Adidas ABCD camp, an invitation-only showcase in Teaneck, N.J.

And while he was there, he did things like this.

One of the first things Howard did after the Magic selected him in the 2004 draft was pose for, what would become, a highly entertaining rookie photo shoot. Here's one gem from that shoot.

And another ...

And another. Greatest. Dwight Howard photo. Ever.

Of course, since he was a pro, he had a way with the ladies ... even with braces. He and fellow Naismith and Gatorade Player of the Year, Candace Parker, shared the red carpet at the 2004 ESPYs. Think Shelden Williams knows about this picture?

To test his leaping ability, Howard planted one on the rim during training camp in 2005.

When the second-year Magic star turned 20, he was given a nice little surprise during a team sponsors event.

As well as a card from fans and teammates, which must have meant a lot because, after his birthday, Howard posted three straight double-doubles.

He also got test the billiard skills of then-Magic coach Brian Hill, who helped develop Howard into the dominant center he is now.

During All-Star Weekend in 2005, Howard and former Magic teammate Grant Hill goofed off for media.

Known for his charity work and appearances off the court, Dwight Howard made a stop at an EA Sports event last July so he could show Venus Williams his muscles.

He has never publicly disclosed his ambitions to coach soccer, but, give this evidence, Howard may have a future on the field.

Just chillin. At home. On the stairs.

Howard led a basketball (and dancing) clinic in Shanghai as part of his tour in China last August.

Thanks so his NBA success, Howard was able to buy his Chateau L'Usse, a multimillion-dollar mansion in Longwood, Fla.

When you're the first player in NBA history to lead the league in blocks and rebounds in the same season twice -- and in consecutive seasons -- then you, too, can take some time to just rest .. in your lavishly decorated chateau.

The many faces of Dwight Howard, courtesy of the SI Kids 2009 video game issue. The All-Star was on the cover of NBA Live 10 and has said his two loves are basketball and video games.

At the 2010 All-Star break in Dallas, Howard found time to mingle with movie director and devoted Knicks fan, Spike Lee.

In 2009, the reigning All-Star Slam Dunk champion hoped his Superman shoes would help him to a second straight title. But the 5-foot-9 "Krypto-Nate" Robinson leapt over Howard to win in the final round. Like his Howard's kicks are still amazing.