Not that they appear to need the help, but just in case the Miami Heat, winners of 14 in a row, signed 40-year-old Juwan Howard to a 10-day contract.
Howard played –or was in uniform – with the Heat the last two seasons. He did not have an NBA home this season until Miami came calling. Supposedly Howard has stayed in shape through working out all season He has stayed in shape and has been working out throughout the season in the hope that someone would see the value in a player whose locker room presence and professionalism will be more valuable than any of the limited on-court time he will receive.
Miami sent Dexter Pittman to the Memphis Grizzlies for a trade exception before the trade deadline last month, opening the way to ink Howard.
Howard has a ring from last year’s team, although he hardly played during the title run. Still, he was respected presence in the locker room and well-liked among players and administration alike.
He showed his worth last season in the playoffs. During the Heat’s conference semifinal series victory over Indiana, Howard confronted the Pacers’ Lance Stephenson after Stephenson made the choke sign at LeBron James in a game, Howard later confronted him.
In 1,201 career games over 18 seasons, Howard has averaged 13.4 points and 6.2 rebounds. Howard was drafted fifth overall by Washington in 1994 and was a member of Michigan’s Fab 5 with Chris Webber and Jalen Rose.
