News & Events

Magic Extend Contracts of Howard, Nelson

Orlando, FL - The Orlando Magic have exercised their option to extend the contracts of forward-center Dwight Howard and guard Jameer Nelson through the 2007-08 season, Assistant General Manager Otis Smith announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deals are not disclosed.

"Dwight and Jameer are having terrific sophomore seasons and they are only going to get better," said Smith. "They are certainly key parts of our foundation, as we continue to make this organization one in which fans can be proud of, both on and off the court. We look forward to watching Dwight's and Jameer's development in a Magic uniform for many years to come."

Howard (6'11", 265, 12/8/85) has played in all 70 games this season for Orlando, averaging 15.6 ppg., 12.2 rpg., 1.5 apg. and 1.53 blkpg. in 36.9 minpg., while shooting a team-best .530 (396-747) from the floor. He leads the team and ranks among NBA leaders in rebounding (2nd in NBA, as of Mar. 26), field goal percentage (6th) and blocked shots (19th). Howard also leads the Magic, and is third in the NBA, with 51 double-doubles. He has led (or tied) the Magic in scoring 16 times and in rebounding a team-best 59 times.

Howard was one of 23 players recently named to the 2006-08 USA Men's Senior National Team program. Originally selected with the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, he has appeared in 152 career NBA games, all with the Magic, averaging 13.7 ppg., 11.1 rpg., 1.2 apg. and 1.60 blkpg. in 34.6 minpg.

During his rookie season 2004-05), Howard was one of only eight players in the NBA to average a double-double and the first rookie (along with Charlotte's Emeka Okafor) to average a double-double since 1992-93. He became the youngest player in NBA history to record 20-plus rebounds in a single game and was a unanimous selection to the 2004-05 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Howard finished his career at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy with 2,146 points, 1,728 rebounds and 811 blocked shots in 129 games. As a senior, he averaged 25.0 ppg., 18.0 rpg., 3.5 apg. and 8.00 blkpg., while leading SACA to the 2004 Class A Georgia state championship. He earned the 2004 Naismith Award, given to the nation's top high school player, as well as the Morgan Wooten High School Player of the Year award. Howard was also named McDonald's High School Player of the Year, Mr. Basketball in the state of Georgia and to the PARADE Magazine All-American Team. He poured in 19 points and was named Co-MVP of the 2004 McDonald's High School All-American game, leading the East to a 126-96 victory.

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