Juwan Howard's journey in professional basketball began when he was selected as the fifth overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets, a team that would later become the Washington Wizards. Howard quickly established himself as a reliable power forward, known for his scoring ability and strong presence on the court. During his rookie season, he averaged 17 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
In the 1995-1996 season, Howard's performance reached new heights. He averaged 22.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, which led to his selection as an NBA All-Star. This season also marked the beginning of his long-term contract with the Bullets, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league at the time. Howard's tenure with the Bullets/Wizards lasted until 2001, during which he consistently delivered solid performances, although the team struggled to achieve significant playoff success.
Howard's career took a new direction when he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2001. His time with the Mavericks was brief, as he was traded again in 2002 to the Denver Nuggets. In Denver, Howard continued to be a dependable player, contributing both as a starter and off the bench. However, it was his subsequent move to the Orlando Magic in 2003 that saw him regain some of his earlier form, averaging 17 points and 7 rebounds per game during his single season with the team.
In 2004, Howard signed with the Houston Rockets, where he played alongside stars like Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. His role with the Rockets was more focused on providing veteran leadership and stability, and he remained with the team until 2007. After his stint in Houston, Howard's career saw him move through several teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks (for a second time), and Charlotte Bobcats.
The latter part of Howard's career was marked by his time with the Miami Heat, where he joined in 2010. Although his on-court contributions were limited compared to his earlier years, Howard's experience and leadership were invaluable to the team. He was part of the Heat's roster that won back-to-back NBA Championships in 2012 and 2013, providing mentorship to younger players and contributing when called upon.
Howard's professional basketball career concluded after the 2012-2013 season.
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