Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Juwan Howard
How Juwan Howard built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Juwan Howard is an American basketball coach and former player. He played in the NBA for several teams, including the Washington Bullets/Wizards, Miami Heat, and Dallas Mavericks. He won two NBA championships with the Miami Heat (2012) and the Dallas Mavericks (2011). Howard transitioned to coaching after his playing career, serving as an assistant coach for the Miami Heat. From 2019 to 2024, he was the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team. He later joined the Brooklyn Nets as an assistant coach in 2024.
1994: Drafted Ahead of Deon Thomas
By the time Juwan Howard ended his college career in 1994, he was drafted a full round ahead of Deon Thomas.
1994: NBA Draft Announcement
In 1994, Juwan Howard announced his intention to enter the NBA draft, following which Jalen Rose also declared for the draft. Howard, despite being short of his University of Michigan degree, committed to fulfilling his promise to his grandmother to earn his diploma.
1994: NBA Draft and Start of Professional Career
In 1994, Juwan Howard began his NBA career after being drafted fifth overall by the Washington Bullets.
1994: Contract Negotiations and Signing
In 1994, Juwan Howard faced protracted contract talks with the Washington Bullets, missing most of the first month of the NBA season. He eventually signed what was believed to be a 12-year, $37.5 million contract and was reunited with Michigan teammate Chris Webber.
1994: Evaluated by NBA analysts
In 1994, after the NBA draft, Juwan Howard was described by NBA analyst Doug Collins as a player who could "play with his back to the basket" and "shoot from about 16 feet outside" and who played "with a lot of energy and emotion".
February 11, 1995: NBA All-Star Weekend Rookie Challenge
On February 11, 1995, Juwan Howard participated in the NBA All-Star weekend events as a member of the Rookie Challenge.
1995: Homecoming at University of Michigan
In 1995, the Bullets played a preseason game against the Detroit Pistons at the University of Michigan's Crisler Arena, marking a homecoming for Juwan Howard. Chris Webber missed the game due to a shoulder injury.
February 11, 1996: NBA All-Star Game Selection
On February 11, 1996, Juwan Howard earned his only career NBA All-Star Game selection.
April 17, 1996: 40-Point Game Against Boston
On April 17, 1996, Juwan Howard scored 40 points against Boston.
April 19, 1996: Career-High 42 Points at Toronto
On April 19, 1996, Juwan Howard scored a career-high 42 points at Toronto.
1996: Free Agency and Contract Negotiations
In 1996, Juwan Howard became a free agent and initially agreed to a deal with the Miami Heat, but the contract was rejected by the NBA. He then re-signed with the Bullets, becoming the first player in NBA history to sign a contract worth more than $100 million.
1996: Free Agent Praised by Michael Jordan
When Juwan Howard first became a free agent in 1996, Michael Jordan praised his "game, work ethic and character".
1997: NBA Playoffs Appearance
In 1997, Juwan Howard made his only NBA playoff appearance with the Washington Bullets, who were swept in the first round by the Chicago Bulls. He averaged 18.7 points and 6 rebounds during the series.
1997: Contract Disputes and Legal Actions
In 1997, The Miami Heat pursued legal remedy after Howard re-signed with the Bullets, but eventually dropped their case, avoiding possible penalties for salary cap violations.
1997: Wizards Relocation and Season Performance
In 1997, the Washington Wizards relocated to the MCI Center. During the 1997–98 season, Juwan Howard totaled 11 double-doubles in 64 games, averaging 18.5 points and 8.0 rebounds. He also suffered an ankle injury, causing him to miss several games.
1998: NBA Lockout and Criticisms
Following the 1998–99 NBA lockout, Juwan Howard was a vocal critic of coach Bernie Bickerstaff, stating that he was unable to make in-game adjustments. Howard also missed games due to an ankle injury.
1999: Trade Rumors
During the 1999-2000 season, Howard accumulated 10 double-doubles in 82 games, while averaging 14.9 points and 8.1 rebounds. During the offseason, Howard's name surfaced in trade rumors that had him going to the New York Knicks in exchange for Ewing.
2000: Played for Dallas Mavericks
In 2000, as a Dallas player, Juwan Howard was regarded as a versatile offensive player who could "take advantage of smaller defenders in the paint and then stretch his bigger defenders outside" in addition to being a solid rebounder.
December 31, 2000: Career High Free Throws
On December 31, 2000, Juwan Howard achieved a career-high of 15 made free throws in a game against the Detroit Pistons.
February 22, 2001: Trade to Dallas Mavericks
On February 22, 2001, Juwan Howard was traded by the Washington Wizards, along with Obinna Ekezie and Calvin Booth, to the Dallas Mavericks for Laettner, Loy Vaught, Etan Thomas, Hubert Davis, Courtney Alexander and $3 million.
2001: Season Performance and Reserve Appearances
During the 2001 season, Juwan Howard played 81 games, posting 17 double-doubles and three 30-point performances, averaging 14.6 points and 7.6 rebounds. It was the first time since his rookie season that he didn't start every game, making reserve appearances between November 21 and December 11.
2001: NBA Playoffs Appearance and Ejection
In 2001, Juwan Howard made his first NBA playoff appearance and won his first NBA playoff series. However, during the first game against the San Antonio Spurs, Howard was ejected and assessed a flagrant foul after slamming Spurs guard Derek Anderson to the floor while attempting to block Anderson's layup late in the game. Anderson suffered a separated shoulder on the play.
2001: Recognized as Good Guy in Sports
In 2001, Juwan Howard was recognized as one of the "Good Guys in Sports" by The Sporting News for his civic contributions.
February 21, 2002: Trade to Denver Nuggets
On February 21, 2002, Juwan Howard was traded by the Mavericks with Donnell Harvey, Hardaway and a 2002 first-round pick to the Denver Nuggets for Raef LaFrentz, Avery Johnson, Van Exel and Tariq Abdul-Wahad.
March 25, 2002: 10,000th Career Point
On March 25, 2002, Juwan Howard scored his 10,000th career point at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks.
2002: Considered a solid veteran
In 2002, Lacy J. Banks described Juwan Howard as a solid veteran at the four (power forward position).
July 16, 2003: Signed with Orlando Magic
On July 16, 2003, Juwan Howard signed a five-year, $28 million contract as a free agent with the Orlando Magic.
2003: Played with the Denver Nuggets
In 2003, Kiki Vandeweghe, the general manager of the Denver Nuggets, Juwan Howard's team, said Howard developed a respected inside post-up game and a reputation as a veteran leader.
June 29, 2004: Trade to Houston Rockets
On June 29, 2004, Juwan Howard and Magic teammates McGrady, Tyronn Lue and Reece Gaines were traded to the Houston Rockets for Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, and Kelvin Cato.
April 17, 2006: Season-High 31 Points
On April 17, 2006, Juwan Howard posted a season-high 31 points against the Denver Nuggets.
December 26, 2006: Consecutive Starts
On December 26, 2006, Juwan Howard began a streak of 32 consecutive starts for the Houston Rockets, lasting until March 3, 2007.
March 3, 2007: End of Consecutive Starts
March 3, 2007 marks the end of the 32-game consecutive starts of Juwan Howard for the Houston Rockets.
June 14, 2007: Traded to Minnesota Timberwolves
On June 14, 2007, Juwan Howard was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Mike James and Justin Reed.
October 29, 2007: Waived by Timberwolves
On October 29, 2007, Juwan Howard was waived by the Minnesota Timberwolves after reaching a contractual buyout agreement for $10 million spread over four years.
October 30, 2007: Agreed to Terms with Dallas Mavericks
On October 30, 2007, Juwan Howard agreed to terms with the Dallas Mavericks, but was not able to officially sign until the next day when he cleared waivers.
October 3, 2008: Rejoined Denver Nuggets
On October 3, 2008, Juwan Howard rejoined the Denver Nuggets.
December 12, 2008: Signed with Charlotte Bobcats
On December 12, 2008, Juwan Howard signed with the Charlotte Bobcats.
2008: Limited Role with Mavericks
In 2008, Juwan Howard had a limited role with the Dallas Mavericks and did not start in a single game for the first time in his career.
September 17, 2009: Signed with Portland Trail Blazers
On September 17, 2009, Juwan Howard signed a one-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.
July 20, 2010: Signed with Miami Heat
On July 20, 2010, Juwan Howard agreed to terms with the Miami Heat for the 2010-11 NBA season, signing a one-year contract for the veteran's minimum salary.
2010: Signs with Miami Heat
In 2010, Juwan Howard signed with the Miami Heat, marking a significant move in his NBA career.
2010: Won NBA Cares Community Assist Award
In 2010, Juwan Howard won the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his community efforts, philanthropic work and charitable contributions.
2010: Praised for Versatility and Professionalism
In 2010, when Juwan Howard signed with the Heat, he was lauded for his ability to play the power forward and center positions and for his professionalism.
December 10, 2011: Re-signed with the Heat
On December 10, 2011, Juwan Howard re-signed with the Miami Heat for the same veteran's minimum salary as the previous year.
June 21, 2012: Won NBA Championship
On June 21, 2012, Juwan Howard, as a role player on the 2011–12 Miami Heat, became the first and only member of the Fab Five to win an NBA championship.
2012: NBA Championship with the Heat
In 2012, Juwan Howard won his first NBA championship with the Miami Heat during the NBA Finals.
March 2, 2013: Signed 10-day contract with Heat
On March 2, 2013, Juwan Howard signed a 10-day contract with the Miami Heat.
March 12, 2013: Signed second 10-day contract with Heat
On March 12, 2013, Juwan Howard signed a second 10-day contract with the Miami Heat.
March 22, 2013: Signed with Heat for remainder of season
On March 22, 2013, Juwan Howard signed with the Miami Heat for the remainder of the season.
June 1, 2013: Oldest active NBA player
With the retirement of Grant Hill on June 1, 2013, Juwan Howard became the oldest active player in the NBA at age 40.
September 28, 2013: Named Assistant Coach for Heat
On September 28, 2013, the Miami Heat announced that Juwan Howard would remain with the team, moving officially into an assistant coaching role.
2013: Retirement and Assistant Coach Role
In 2013, Juwan Howard retired as a player and became an assistant coach with the Miami Heat.
May 22, 2019: Named Head Coach of Michigan Wolverines
On May 22, 2019, Juwan Howard was named the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, signing a five-year contract.
2019: Accepts Head Coaching Position at Michigan
In 2019, Juwan Howard accepted the head coaching position at the University of Michigan.
2019: Head Coach of Michigan Wolverines
In 2019, Juwan Howard became the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's team.
November 16, 2021: Signed Contract Extension with Michigan
On November 16, 2021, Juwan Howard signed a five-year contract extension with Michigan through the 2025–26 season.
2021: AP National Coach of the Year and No. 1 Seed
In 2021, Juwan Howard received AP National Coach of the Year and led the Wolverines to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, being the first coach to do so as both a player and coach.
March 15, 2024: Parting Ways with Michigan
On March 15, 2024, Michigan announced they were parting ways with Juwan Howard after five years of coaching.
April 26, 2024: Joined Brooklyn Nets as Assistant Coach
On April 26, 2024, Juwan Howard joined the Brooklyn Nets as an assistant coach for Jordi Fernández.
2024: Assistant Coach for the Brooklyn Nets
In 2024, Juwan Howard joined the Brooklyn Nets as an assistant coach, after serving as the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines from 2019 to 2024.
