Orlando signs Juwan Howard
Juwan Howard and General Manager John Gabriel complete the deal that brings Howard to the Magic. Photo: Gary Bassing
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The Orlando Magic have signed free agent forward Juwan Howard, General Manager John Gabriel announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.
Howard (6’9”, 260, 2/7/73) appeared in 77 regular season games with Denver last season, averaging 18.4 ppg., 7.6 rpg., 3.0 apg. and 1.00 stlpg. in 35.5 minpg. He led the Nuggets in scoring, rebounding and minutes played. Howard ranked 32nd in the NBA in scoring and tied for 21st in rebounding during the 2002-03 campaign. He recorded double figures in scoring 70 times, including 37 games of 20-plus points. Howard also led (or tied) the team in scoring 51 times, in rebounding 28 times and in assists 16 times. He pulled down 10-plus rebounds in 19 games and recorded a team-best 18 double-doubles.
"Juwan is a consummate professional who had a lot of options," says Gabriel. "He certainly helps in addressing our needs, and we're excited he's coming to Orlando."
Originally selected in the first round (fifth overall) of the 1994 NBA Draft by Washington, Howard has played in 649 career games with Washington, Dallas and Denver, averaging 17.9 ppg., 7.5 rpg. and 3.1 apg. in 37.3 minpg. He has averaged more than 17 points per game during seven of his nine NBA seasons, and averaged seven-or-more rebounds eight times. Howard has also appeared in 13 career playoff outings, averaging 14.6 ppg., 7.8 rpg. and 1.5 apg. in 40.0 minpg.
Added head coach Doc Rivers, "Juwan is a complete pro, who comes to play every night. His game is multi-dimensional and he will provide us with a lot of versatility in terms of the lineups we will be able to put out on the floor."
Howard enjoyed his finest pro season in 1995-96, when he averaged a career-high 22.1 ppg., 8.1 rpg. and 4.4 apg. in 40.7 minpg. for Washington. He ranked 10th in the league in scoring and fourth in minutes played. Howard was named to the Eastern Conference All-Star squad and earned All-NBA Third Team honors.
Prior to turning professional, Howard was an original member of the University of Michigan’s “Fab Five” 1991 recruiting class. He helped the Wolverines to two straight National Championship games (1992, 1993) and three consecutive Sweet Sixteen appearances. Despite playing just three seasons, Howard is one of only five players in Michigan history to register more than 1,500 points and 700 rebounds. He was named Third Team All-America and a unanimous All-Big Ten First Team member following his junior season (1993-94).
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