Dwight Howard’s Comments Immediately After Being Selected First in the 2004 NBA Draft:

You have dreamed about being the top overall pick in the draft. How does the dream compare to the reality?
It’s really hard to explain. I thank God just for allowing me to sit right here and be the first person selected. It just feels so good.

You were either going number one to Orlando or number two to Charlotte, how do think other people’s expectations will change just because you are the top pick?
Now it’s going to be based on my work ethic. A lot of people have questioned that. I just want to go out there and prove all the doubters wrong – just keep working hard and just keeping God first, and everything will fall in line.

People have said that sometimes you get a little too mellow on the court, what do you do to change that?
Well, I just need to go out there and play hard every night, that’s what I do. What everybody says – they don’t know what’s really going on in my heart. I don’t like to open my mouth a lot, but, you know, I’m strong.

Howard spoke with Orlando media in a phone call following his selection:
“It feels great. Words really can’t explain, but it feels great.”

When did you find out?
“I didn’t find out until David Stern walked out and called my name. I really had no clue. I was hoping I would be playing in Orlando. Once he called my name, I felt real good. “

The safe pick for the Magic would have been Emeka Okafor. What does that mean to you that they may have extended themselves to select you?
“I told them that I want to be the greatest player at the end of my career. I feel that Coach Davis and his staff will blossom me into a great player and I’m going to get them all I can so I can be that great player that they want me to be and that I want to be.”

What are your plans for this summer?
“Just working out. Get into great shape so I can be able to run the floor and to play 82 games. Get a lot stronger. Just be myself and play hard. I’m ready to workout again with the Magic and I am just waiting on that day.”

How early on did you want to make it to the NBA and to also be the No. 1 pick? How have you been preparing for that?
“Since ninth grade, I’ve been preparing. People question my work ethic. In ninth grade. You could actually see my ribcage in my heartbeat – that’s how skinny I was. So I got in the weight room everyday. I woke up with my coach at 6:30am every Friday and we worked out. Then as I got older, it’s been picked up. Then for the last two and half months, I’ve been waking up, working out at 5 o’clock and then come back and working out at night – shooting 1,000 shots just to get ready. Now I’m at the top.”

How close have you come to playing against NBA competition?
“I think I’m ready. It’s going to be a learning experience. I haven’t played against this level of talent before. I feel that after playing a couple games, I’ll get used to the hits. I’ll be okay. I think by playing with the best, that’ll elevate my game to another level.”

Is there any area of your game you feel you need to improve more than another?
“If I’m going to be able to bang for 82 games and plus the playoffs, then I’ll have to get a lot stronger. Every part of my game needs to be polished a little bit more, so I’m willing to get in there and workout so that my game will be well polished.”

If the Magic trade Tracy, are you ready to carry the team?
“I would love to. I hope Tracy McGrady stays, but if he doesn’t, I hope the best for him. I’ve been watching him ever since he came out of high school and I think he did well with his transition. That was one of the players I looked up to so it would be great playing with him. If he’s not there, I just hope the best for him.”

If the Magic throw a lot on you this first season, are you ready for it?
“I’m willing to take on challenges. I know I am going to overcome it. Coach Davis and his staff will help me in anyway possible.”

Several high schoolers going straight to the Draft, even the successful ones, struggled a little at first. Do you expect the first year to be rough?
“I just expect the best. If I have to go through that, so that I overcome, that’s what I have to do. The beatings – being pushed on the ground – I’m willing to take the hits. In the end, I’ll be a great player.”

Did you leave here Saturday feeling like you would be the No. 1 pick?
“Yes, I did. I was at peace as soon as I came down to Orlando and when I worked out with the team, I felt real good. The coaches pushed me and I pushed myself. I just feel real good.”

Expand on that. Why did you feel so good?
“Just working out, everything was falling for me and the coaches were pushing me and I really liked being pushed by the coaches even though I push myself. They were right there with me. I’m just happy about everything. Even with the general manager being there, I felt great.”

They had the worst record in the NBA last year and may be losing their top player. Wouldn’t you be nervous coming here?
“Well, I am used to coming into situations like this…where I have to make a decision on what I want to do with my life and I just think I am capable of handling it even though I came high school. I have a great support system and the Magic organization is great with young players. I’m just happy to be around it.”

Have you kept up with any trade speculations to see who you might be playing with?
“Yes, I have. Whoever stays, whoever goes, I think it’ll turn out great. I’d love to play with T-Mac. If it’s Steve Francis, I’d love to play with him. I’m willing to learn right now. That’s one thing – I’m ready to play.”

If you were to have a conversation with T-Mac, what would you say?
“Just make the best decision for you. I’ll be behind you 100% if you want to stay. I’d love to play with you, but this is your decision. I can’t change your mind. I hope you stay and play with me for a couple of years. I think that we would be a good combo. If he goes, I would just be very happy for him.”

The Magic have needed help with defense. What do you plan to do in order to become the best defensive player that you can?
Just working on my strength. I think I’m a great leaper and if I get that firm wide base, and get my legs up underneath, then I’ll be a great rebounder, a great shot-blocker. Coming in from high school, I had 811 blocks, which is a lot in four years. I’m willing to do that for the team.”