NBA announces! Hello, Howard! Officially returning to the Slam Dunk Contest

This year's NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest players include Hayes (Lakers), Carter Bryant (Spurs), Jess Richardson (Magic), and Kesha Johnson (Heat).

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To be blunt, the star quality is lacking.

However, the judges' panel is packed with stars: Wilkins (1985, 1990 Slam Dunk Champion), Howard (2008 Champion), Nate Robinson (2006, 2009, 2010 Champion), and Brent Barry (1996 Champion).

Besides these four legends, the NBA will select a fifth judge from candidates including shooting coach Chris Matthews, actor and comedian Druski, and Taylor Tony, co-founder of the "Perfect Pair" duo, with fans voting to decide the final roles of the three creators on All-Star Saturday.

Among the crowd, the name "The Beast" Howard immediately stands out.

Notably, this guy has not officially announced retirement but has already been inducted into the 25th Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Could this be a forced retirement? (manual dog head emoji)

Howard was born on December 8, 1985, a 2.08m tall center with a 2.25m wingspan, the 2004 first overall pick, with an 18-year NBA career playing for the Magic, Lakers, Rockets, Hawks, Hornets, Wizards, and Philadelphia. His regular season averages are 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.8 steals, with a shooting percentage of 58.7%; in the playoffs, he averages 15.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 2 steals, with a shooting percentage of 58.9%.

As a former NBA number one center, Howard's honors are plentiful: a 2020 championship with the Lakers, 3 Defensive Player of the Year awards, 8 All-NBA selections, 5 All-Defensive team honors, 5 rebounding titles, 2 blocks titles, 8 All-Star appearances, and an Olympic gold medal, with perhaps the only regret being his omission from the 75 Greatest Players list.

Indeed, Howard has more than enough credentials to be among the 75 Greatest Players, but since the decision is final, there is no use in complaining; disappointment is simply part of life.