The Houston Rockets NBA star turns 30 today and can already reflect on a wealth of achievements.

Howard had an outstanding high school career and chose to forgo college and entered the 2004 NBA draft. He was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic.

An eight-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA team selection, five-time All-Defensive member, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Howard has been ranked consistently as one of the best in the league in rebounds, blocks, field goal percentage and free throw attempts, and has set numerous franchise and league records.

He led the Magic to three division titles and one conference title, and he was the winner of the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. In the 2008 Olympics he won gold with Team USA. He was traded to the LA Lakers in 2012, and signed with the Rockets in 2013.

1968: Mike Mussina, or Moose, former MLB pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees (47)

1986: Amir Khan, the British-Pakistani boxer, former lineal light welterweight world champion (29)

1994: Raheem Sterling, the Manchester City and England forward (21)

1995: Jordan Ibe, the Liverpool academy graduate and England youth winger (20)