Professional Basketball And The Bibleናሙና

“Dwight Howard Puts Bible Verse in the Spotlight During Dunk Contest”

2007 All-Star Game Dunk Contest (February 17, 2007)

When Dwight Howard entered the NBA as an 18-year-old high school graduate, he was quickly dubbed “Manchild” due to his grown-up physique and boyish charms. It didn’t take long for opposing teams to figure out why the Orlando Magic selected him with the number one pick of the 2004 Draft.

However, Howard’s consistent references to the Bible may have been more surprising than his ability to rebound and score inside the paint. As ESPN.com reported prior to his participation in the McDonald’s High School All-American Game, his affection for the Bible could be found in the form of a Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) poster hanging in his childhood bedroom.

Playing in his first All-Star Game three years later, Howard participated in the Slam Dunk Contest and used the sizeable platform for a unique purpose. During an early round dunk, he slammed the ball through the rim with his right hand while slapping a sticker on the backboard with his left hand. On that sticker was Howard’s initials, a photo of him laughing, and the words “All things through Christ,” in reference to a popular verse amongst athletes.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

While being interviewed during All-Star Weekend, Howard was given another chance to talk about the Bible when a reporter from Baptist Press Sports asked him to cite his favorite verse.

“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:26)