Juwan Howard is an American basketball coach and former player. He is currently an assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets. Prior to this, he was the head coach for the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team from 2019 to 2024.
Juwan Antonio Howard was born on February 7, 1973.
The NBA Rookie of the Month award was first introduced in 1981. Juwan Howard later became the second player from the Washington Bullets to receive this honor in February 1995.
In January 1982, Jeff Ruland became the first player from the Washington Bullets to be named NBA Rookie of the Month. This set a precedent for Juwan Howard, who earned the same honor in February 1995.
The Washington Bullets last playoff appearance before 1997 was in 1988.
As a sophomore in 1988, Juwan Howard gained recognition as one of the best basketball players in the Chicago area.
During his junior year in 1989, Juwan Howard solidified his reputation as a top basketball player in Illinois, earning selections to the All-Chicago Public School League team, the Chicago Sun-Times All-Area team, and the Class-AA All-State team.
In July 1990, Juwan Howard, considered the best prospect in the country at the time, navigated a busy recruitment process and narrowed down his college choices while prioritizing his family's well-being.
During the recruitment process in 1990, Michigan's coaching staff made efforts to build a strong relationship with Juwan Howard's family, recognizing the importance of his grandmother and aunt in his life.
In 1990, Juwan Howard, a top high school basketball recruit, decided to attend the University of Michigan. He also faced the loss of his grandmother who died of a heart attack a few hours after his college announcement.
In 1990, Markita Blyden, Juwan Howard's former partner and mother of his son, led Detroit's Murray-Wright High School to the Class A state championship game. This achievement highlighted her basketball skills and contributed to her recognition as a runner-up for Michigan's Miss Basketball.
On October 15, 1991, during Michigan's Midnight Madness event, there were already high expectations that Juwan Howard and several of his fellow freshmen, who would later become known as the Fab Five, would become starters for the Wolverines.
By 1991, Juwan Howard was anticipated to be a highly sought-after recruit as he entered his senior year.
In 1991, Juwan Howard was recognized as an All-American basketball player by Parade magazine and earned McDonald's All American honors while attending Chicago Vocational Career Academy.
Juwan Howard was part of the renowned Fab Five recruiting class of 1991 at the University of Michigan.
The Fab Five, including Juwan Howard, Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson, began playing as regular starters for the Michigan Wolverines in 1991.
On February 5, 1992, Juwan Howard Jr., son of Juwan Howard, was born. His mother, Markita Blyden, was a talented basketball player herself, having been runner-up for Michigan's Miss Basketball.
The Michigan Wolverines, with the Fab Five, reached the finals of the NCAA tournament in 1992.
In 1992, Juwan Howard, along with other members of the Fab Five, was part of the University of Michigan basketball team. Although the team's games in the Final Four were later forfeited due to a scandal, Howard was not implicated or called to testify before a grand jury. This scandal led to Michigan erasing many records and accomplishments from 1992 to 1998, but Howard's status as a 1993–94 All-American remained intact.
The Fab Five made a significant impact during their freshman year in 1992, contributing to the Wolverines' success.
In 1992, allegations surfaced about potential NCAA rules violations involving Michigan basketball players, including Juwan Howard, related to payments for a charity tournament and appearances at summer camps. Despite the controversy, Michigan started the season ranked number one in the country.
Despite NCAA rules violations surrounding the program in 1993, Juwan Howard was not implicated, and his accomplishments during this period remain recognized.
During the 1993 Christmas break, Juwan Howard got a tattoo as a tribute to his grandmother. In January 1994, he was sidelined by chicken pox.
In 1993, Juwan Howard played a key role in Michigan's journey to the NCAA championship game, where they faced North Carolina. Howard's strong defense against Kentucky's Jamal Mashburn in the semifinals was notable. However, Michigan's quest for the national title ended in a loss to North Carolina.
In 1993, Juwan Howard was recognized as an All-American, a status that remained intact despite the University of Michigan basketball scandal that led to the forfeiture of many team records and accomplishments. This recognition highlighted his individual performance and contribution to the team during that period.
The Fab Five led the Michigan Wolverines to the finals of the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive year in 1993.
In 1994, Juwan Howard received All-Big Ten recognition for his performance during the season. He led Michigan to victories in the first three rounds of the NCAA tournament with impressive scoring and rebounding performances, earning regional MVP honors. Despite his strong play, Michigan's run ended in the Elite Eight with a loss to Arkansas.
Juwan Howard was selected as the fifth overall pick in the 1994 NBA draft by the Washington Bullets.
Juwan Howard was drafted a full round ahead of Deon Thomas in the 1994 NBA draft, showcasing his growth and success throughout his high school and college career.
In 1994, despite the University of Michigan basketball scandal and NCAA sanctions that rescinded many of the Fab Five's accomplishments, Juwan Howard's All-American recognition remained intact.
In 1994, Juwan Howard graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in communications. He fulfilled his promise to his grandmother and became the first NBA athlete to graduate with his academic class after entering the draft early. Howard's dedication to education made him a role model for young people, as acknowledged by keynote speaker Marian Wright Edelman during the graduation ceremony.
In 1994, Juwan Howard made an appearance in the acclaimed basketball documentary "Hoop Dreams." This film provided a glimpse into his life and career during his early years in the NBA.
In 1994, Juwan Howard experienced contract negotiations that made headlines. As the last first-round selection from the 1994 NBA draft without a contract, he held out while rumors of potential trades circulated. On November 17, 1994, Howard signed a significant contract with the Washington Bullets, reuniting with his Michigan teammate Chris Webber, who was traded to the Bullets on November 18.
In 1994, Juwan Howard declared for the NBA draft and was selected fifth overall by the Washington Bullets. Despite entering the draft early, he remained committed to fulfilling his promise to his grandmother of graduating from the University of Michigan.
After the 1994 NBA draft, Juwan Howard was described by analysts and Bullets staff as "fundamentally sound", a "complete player", and a "leader type" with a high level of skill.
On February 11, 1995, Juwan Howard participated in the NBA All-Star weekend events as a member of the Rookie Challenge. His performance during his rookie season earned him second team All-Rookie honors and the NBA Rookie of the Month award for February.
In 1995, Juwan Howard experienced a homecoming when the Washington Bullets played a preseason game against the Detroit Pistons at the University of Michigan's Crisler Arena. Despite the anticipation, teammate Chris Webber missed the game due to a shoulder injury. Expectations were high for the Bullets with Howard, Webber, and other key players, but injuries plagued the team throughout the season.
On February 11, 1996, Juwan Howard was selected for his only career NBA All-Star Game. This recognition came during a standout season where he averaged 22.1 points per game and became the Bullets' leading scorer.
On April 17, 1996, Juwan Howard scored 40 points in a game against the Boston Celtics. This performance was part of back-to-back 40-point games, making him the second player in Washington franchise history to achieve this feat.
On April 19, 1996, Juwan Howard scored a career-high 42 points in a game against the Toronto Raptors. This performance contributed to his strong finish for the season, earning him the NBA Player of the Month award for April.
On November 9, 1996, Juwan Howard made a guest appearance in an episode of the NBC teen sitcom "Hang Time." This appearance demonstrated his willingness to explore various acting opportunities.
On November 11, 1996, Juwan Howard was charged with driving while intoxicated after failing a sobriety test. He was caught speeding and subsequently entered an alcohol rehabilitation and education program.
In 1996, Juwan Howard became a free agent and was offered a seven-year deal by the Miami Heat that was ultimately rejected by the NBA due to salary cap miscalculations. Howard re-signed with the Washington Bullets on August 5, becoming the first NBA player to sign a contract worth more than $100 million. The Heat pursued legal action, but eventually dropped their case.
In 1996, Juwan Howard was recognized for his ability to play all three front-line positions (small forward, power forward, and center).
The Wizards relocated from the US Airways Arena to the MCI Center for the 1997–98 season.
In 1997, as part of the conditions for re-signing Juwan Howard, the Washington Bullets forfeited their first-round draft pick. This was a consequence of renouncing Howard's rights to free up cap space to sign other players before re-signing him.
Juwan Howard made a brief cameo appearance in an episode of "The Last Dance," the acclaimed 2020 ESPN documentary that chronicled the 1997-1998 Chicago Bulls' championship season.
In 1997, Juwan Howard and the Washington Bullets made their first playoff appearance since 1988. They were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the first round. It was Howard's only playoff appearance in his time with the Washington franchise.
During the 1998-99 NBA season, Juwan Howard was a vocal critic of coach Bernie Bickerstaff, stating that Bickerstaff was unable to make proper in-game adjustments.
In 1998, the University of Michigan imposed self-sanctions that erased many of its basketball records and accomplishments from 1992 to 1998 due to a scandal. However, Juwan Howard was not implicated in the scandal, and his individual achievement as a 1993–94 All-American was preserved.
On August 15, 1999, Juwan Howard made a guest appearance in an episode of the HBO comedy series "Arli$$", further expanding his presence in the entertainment industry.
By his sixth season with the Washington Wizards in 1999, Juwan Howard's popularity had declined, and he was considered a disappointment by some.
Juwan Howard made a guest appearance in a 1999 episode of the television drama "The West Wing." He played the role of a former Duke basketball player serving on Josiah Bartlet's Council on Physical Fitness, showcasing his versatility beyond the realm of sports.
During the 2000-01 season, the Dallas Mavericks finished with a 53-29 record under coach Don Nelson.
During the offseason in 2000, trade rumors circulated involving Juwan Howard potentially being traded to the New York Knicks in exchange for Patrick Ewing.
In the 2000-2001 season, while playing for Dallas, Howard was still regarded as a versatile offensive player.
On December 31, 2000, Juwan Howard set a career-high with 15 made free throws in a game against the Detroit Pistons.
On February 22, 2001, Michael Jordan, the Wizards' head of basketball operations, traded Juwan Howard to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Christian Laettner and other players. This trade freed up salary cap space for the Wizards.
Jace Howard, son of Juwan Howard and Jenine Wardally, was born in late September 2001.
The Washington Wizards were looking to improve their team for the 2001 free agent market.
Juwan Howard was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2001, where he joined a talented team including Michael Finley, Steve Nash, and Dirk Nowitzki. Howard was the highest-paid player on the team. He experienced his first NBA playoff series win while playing for the Mavericks.
In 2001, The Sporting News recognized Juwan Howard as one of the "Good Guys in Sports" for his civic contributions. This award highlighted his commitment to giving back to the community.
In 2001, Juwan Howard received mixed reviews for his performance, with some considering him high-priced and under-achieving while others saw him as a solid veteran.
During the 2001-02 NBA season, Juwan Howard did not start every game for the first time since his rookie holdout season. He made all of his reserve appearances between November 21 and December 11.
On February 21, 2002, Juwan Howard was traded to the Denver Nuggets for Raef Lafrentz, Avery Johnson, Nick Van Exel and Tariq Abdul-Wahad.
On March 25, 2002, Juwan Howard scored his 10,000th career point in a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
On July 6, 2002, Juwan Howard married Jenine Wardally, embarking on a new chapter in his personal life.
On October 25, 2002, Juwan Howard was suspended for attempting to punch Al Harrington and Jermaine O'Neal during a preseason game, resulting in a two-game suspension and a $458,000 salary loss.
By 2002, Juwan Howard was described as a solid veteran power forward.
On July 16, 2003, Juwan Howard signed a five-year, $28 million contract with the Orlando Magic as a free agent.
In 2003, Juwan Howard played alongside Tracy McGrady during his time with the Orlando Magic.
In the NBA, Juwan Howard developed a respected inside post-up game and was known as a veteran leader.
On June 29, 2004, Juwan Howard was traded to the Houston Rockets as part of a seven-player deal that included Tracy McGrady, Tyronn Lue, and Reece Gaines.
In 2004, Juwan Howard was traded to the Houston Rockets and became the team's regular starting power forward.
Juwan Howard's 2005 season with the Houston Rockets ended on March 14 due to a sprained MCL in his right knee. During his recovery, he was diagnosed with viral myocarditis, hindering his rehabilitation.
Juwan Howard was featured in a 2005 episode of "Beyond the Glory" that focused on the "Michigan's Fab 5." The episode delved into his time as a member of the iconic Michigan Wolverines basketball team.
In 2005, Juwan Howard was suspended for one game without pay for shoving the basketball into the face of Toronto Raptors guard Mike James after fouling him.
On April 17, 2006, Juwan Howard scored a season-high 31 points against the Denver Nuggets.
On December 26, 2006, Juwan Howard began a streak of 32 consecutive starts for the Houston Rockets, lasting until March 3, 2007.
On March 3, 2007, Juwan Howard's streak of 32 consecutive starts for the Houston Rockets came to an end.
On April 6, 2007, Juwan Howard achieved a double-double.
On June 14, 2007, Juwan Howard was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Mike James and Justin Reed.
On October 29, 2007, the Minnesota Timberwolves waived Juwan Howard after reaching a buyout agreement worth $10 million over four years.
On October 30, 2007, Juwan Howard agreed to terms with the Dallas Mavericks but could not officially sign until clearing waivers the next day.
On October 3, 2008, Juwan Howard rejoined the Denver Nuggets but was later released due to a roster size limit following a trade for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, and Cheikh Samb.
On December 12, 2008, Juwan Howard signed with the Charlotte Bobcats for the 2008-2009 season, where he played in 42 games, started in 2, and averaged 4.1 points and 1.8 rebounds.
In 2008, Juwan Howard played for the Dallas Mavericks, marking the first season in his career without starting a single game.
Juwan Howard signed a one-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers on September 17, 2009.
On April 15, 2013, Juwan Howard made his first start since April 14, 2010, as the Miami Heat defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Juwan Howard signed a one-year contract with the Miami Heat for the 2010-2011 season on July 20, 2010.
When Juwan Howard signed with the Miami Heat in 2010, his ability to play both power forward and center positions was lauded, as was his professionalism. He was also recognized as a future NBA coach or general manager.
Juwan Howard signed with the Miami Heat in 2010, marking a significant career move.
In 2010, Juwan Howard received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his exceptional community efforts, philanthropic work, and charitable contributions. This recognition further emphasized his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the basketball court.
In 2010, Juwan Howard Jr., son of Juwan Howard, capped off his senior year at Detroit's Pershing High School by leading his team to the Michigan High School Athletic Association state championship. He also earned first team All-State honors from the Associated Press and Detroit Free Press, solidifying his status as a standout player.
In 2010, Juwan Howard played in all six playoff games with the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 3.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in 14.5 minutes.
On December 10, 2011, Juwan Howard re-signed with the Miami Heat for the same veteran's minimum salary as the year before.
Juwan Howard participated in the 2011 ESPN documentary "The Fab Five," which was produced by his former Michigan teammate Jalen Rose. This documentary offered an in-depth look at the Fab Five's impact on college basketball and beyond.
Juwan Howard was featured in the documentary "The Fab Five" in March 2011, which focused on his time with the Wolverines.
On June 21, 2012, Juwan Howard became the first and only member of the Fab Five to win an NBA Championship with the Miami Heat.
As a redshirt sophomore for the 2012-2013 Detroit Titans, Juwan Howard Jr., son of Juwan Howard, became a regular starter and made significant contributions to the team. This marked a pivotal point in his college basketball career.
In 2012, Juwan Howard did not play in the playoffs.
Juwan Howard achieved a major milestone in 2012 by winning his first NBA championship with the Miami Heat.
On March 2, 2013, Juwan Howard signed a 10-day contract with the Miami Heat for the 2012-2013 season.
On March 12, 2013, Juwan Howard signed a second 10-day contract with the Miami Heat.
On March 22, 2013, Juwan Howard signed with the Miami Heat for the remainder of the season.
With the retirement of Grant Hill on June 1, 2013, Juwan Howard became the oldest active player in the NBA at age 40.
On September 28, 2013, the Miami Heat announced that Juwan Howard would be transitioning into an assistant coaching role, effectively marking his retirement as a player. This move came as part of a reshuffling within the Heat's organization.
After retiring as a player in 2013, Juwan Howard remained with the Miami Heat as an assistant coach.
In 2014, during Juwan Howard's first year as an assistant coach, the Miami Heat reached the NBA Finals. This marked the final year of the "Big 3" era with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. The Heat ultimately lost to the San Antonio Spurs in five games.
On May 22, 2019, Juwan Howard was named the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team. He signed a five-year contract, embarking on a new chapter in his basketball career.
In 2019, Juwan Howard accepted the head coaching position for the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team.
In 2019, Juwan Howard returned to his alma mater, the University of Michigan, to take on the role of head coach.
Juwan Howard's coaching skills earned him several awards during the 2020-2021 season, including AP National Coach of the Year and Big Ten Coach of the Year.
On November 16, 2021, the University of Michigan extended Juwan Howard's contract for another five years, securing his position as head coach through the 2025-2026 season. This extension came after a successful period for the Wolverines under Howard's leadership.
In 2021, Juwan Howard led the Michigan Wolverines to secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, making him the first person to achieve a No. 1 seed as both a player and coach.
On February 20, 2022, Juwan Howard was involved in an altercation with a Wisconsin assistant coach following a game between Michigan and Wisconsin. This incident resulted in Howard's suspension for the rest of the regular season and a $40,000 fine. He was allowed to return for the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA tournament.
In 2023, Jett Howard, son of Juwan Howard and Jenine Wardally, was drafted by the Orlando Magic with the 11th overall pick. This marked a significant milestone in his young basketball career, following in the footsteps of his father and brother.
In 2023, the value of Juwan Howard's 1994 contract with the Washington Bullets was calculated as approximately $77.1 million in today's dollars, highlighting the significant financial aspect of his career at that time.
In 2023, the value of Juwan Howard's 1996 contract with the Washington Bullets was calculated as approximately $204 million in today's dollars, reflecting the significant financial impact of his career decisions.
On March 15, 2024, the University of Michigan announced they were parting ways with Juwan Howard after five years as the head coach. This decision marked the end of Howard's tenure with the Wolverines.
On April 26, 2024, Juwan Howard joined the Brooklyn Nets as an assistant coach, working under head coach Jordi Fernández. This move marked his return to the NBA coaching ranks after his time at Michigan.
After his stint as head coach at Michigan, Juwan Howard became an assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets in 2024.