The Added Value of Juwan Howard
by Dave on Sep 18, 2009 12:57 AM PDT
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PrintI was all set to drop a post about the wisdom of the Juwan Howard signing when I find that Ben beat me to it in the post just before this. It's not fair! He gets all the cute girls Twittering after him AND he cuts in line on the JuHo post? Bah!
Taking a second to echo his insights, yes...this was a decent move. It costs the Blazers little to nothing. It gives them a safety valve at power forward without taking away minutes from anybody (including Travis Outlaw). Juwan has the right skill set for a Blazer power forward. He's been through the NBA wars since many of his teammates were in the single digit age range. When you're talking about a fairly minor roster spot you don't expect revolutionary play on the court. You do want to counterbalance what you already have and maybe fill a subtle need. With his experience alone Howard does both of those things. Even if he never plays a minute (and remember those backup power forward minutes still belong to Travis at the moment) he could have more of an impact than some of the other guys mentioned in the last few weeks. Stromile Swift and Greg Osterag wouldn't have played either and they wouldn't have brought much added value to the table.
This move might well show its worth in scenes we never see. Brandon Roy was unquestionably the leader of this team last year. He remains so this year and for the foreseeable future. But heretofore Roy has seemed like a lonely leader. Who could be his sounding board besides the coaching staff? He's the captain of the ship and knows the final destination but he's not yet sailed all of the local waters through which he'll need to pass to get there. Last year who could pull him aside and say, "Watch out for the reef near the shoreline" or "Your hand was a little heavy on the wheel back there"? Nobody else had sailed any farther than he had and none of his teammates approached his skill. I expect at some time during the season you're going to see a little quiet conversation between Roy, Howard, and Andre Miller. Howard's been that star and felt the pressure. More to the point he's seen a lot of guys lead teams for good and for ill. He understands what it takes. He's experienced how it gets botched up. In Howard and Miller Roy has river pilots to help him negotiate the shallows. They're about the only guys in the locker room who could pull him aside with authority and command attention. They're also guys on whose doors he can knock at 2:00 in the morning when something is eating at him.
Similarly Greg Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge are trying to play their way into stardom and dominance. Juwan is a natural mentor for them. He was kind of LaMarcus before there was a LaMarcus. He'd not be quite as much of a position coach for Oden but he can calm the big guy down and focus him. All three of Portland's stars in the making could benefit from this signing.
Three years ago I'm not sure Juwan would have been in the place where he could accept such a role. But he's 36 years old now and on a one-year contract. He knows the score. He knows that any year may be his last in the league. His legacy is almost completely written and there's not much more he can do on the court to alter it. But he has a chance to contribute something still...if not hanging around long enough to have a shot at a championship, perhaps having the pride of having given these guys a push towards their destiny. When you're 30 or 32 you are kind of like a father to the kids. Yes, you mentor them but there's also an old lion-young lion thing going on. You're out to show that you've still got it. You're marking your territory and protecting your spot. When you drift above 35 you're more like a grandfather. You don't have the responsibility of raising them and disciplining them nor do you have the burden of struggling with them. You just get to dote on them and wish them every success. Whether Howard stays with the team beyond this year or not, he has a chance to shape careers beyond his. If the Blazers do win it all down the road he can smile knowing that his wisdom helped them along and those are partially his rings too.
You don't get that combination of sentiment and ability to help from players save those in Juwan's position right now. When I first brought up acquiring Shaq for last year's playoff run people started speculating that he could bring up Greg Oden. That was never going to happen. He'd have the experience and talent but not the inclination. He'd have sooner pounded Greg into the hardwood than lifted him up and ceded minutes to him. Juwan, on the other hand, has the ability and the personality. Judging by his early comments he also has the desire and the insightful perception of his role and purpose on this team. Combined those make him a nice acquisiton.
We started the summer saying the Blazers' most glaring need (save perhaps more defense in the backcourt) was simply experience. They needed someone who knows the right words to say, knows when to apply those words and when to keep silent, and has enough talent to be listened to but enough sense of his place not to try and take over the team. They needed someone to bring perspective not only night to night but in those critical playoff weeks when every success and mistake is magnified a hundredfold. It's now September, a couple weeks from the opening of training camp. Review the shopping list. Guru for the backcourt? Check. Got that early. Guru for the frontcourt? That's taken care of too. Age-appropriate lunch partners for Joel Przybilla? You know it, man. Done and done.
The money move in the last six months might well have been adding the perfectly-suited star at point guard or small forward. But that guy obviously wasn't available at the right cost. If you can't get your "A" choice it's no good opting for Mr. "C". You spend most of the money and get half or less of the return. Instead you go a different direction, which is what the Blazers have done here. This is a typical Kevin Pritchard era move: lower risk, higher reward potential in ways beyond the obvious.
Was it the spellbinding summer of our dreams? Not exactly. But it was still a good one. This was the last bit to fall into place and the last significant move we'll see until one or more of the players gets traded. Buckle up. It's time to roll.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
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Pretty much nailed it, I think
I think KP will still look to swing a deal for a quality fourth big, but it won’t be out of desperation now. I also suspect he would really like a third center for that fifteenth spot, if he can get one who can actually fill a role in case of injury.
But we’re now ready to roll into this season as we are, and we’ll do a lot of damage as we are.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
what he said
my thoughts exactly. A lot of on here fans don’t seem to understand how powerful the pack mentality is on a team, the roles of older and younger men in creating social order, and how critical this order is to success.
You described it very well indeed.
I hope that Ime Udoka gets an invite to camp.
If for nothing more than being Shavlik 2.0 (Assuming that Shavlik is replaceable).
Well said perspective
Again with the wisdom beyond your years . . . . . you been hanging out with KP again?
For those who are still dreaming of a big trade – I think KP is wanting to keep the ship as is and on course. Not likely to move anyone at deadline unless we are just not jelling and obviously missing something. But then that’s just my opinion.
I just listen for Casey. His voice gives me tingles. —Dave
An interesting comparison with Howard, Aldridge, Nowitzke and Webber
is available here for their first three years in the league for all four. It is more similar than I would have thought and it illustrates the difficulty with LMA’s contract negotiations considering the clamor to pay max money to LMA and Howard’s subsequent path after earning big bucks. Based on these 3 years Howard was signed to a 6 year contract extension totaling $95,152,000.
Of course Howard is 12 years later from this study and not going to provide what he did then. But the similarity is sobering.
I just listen for Casey. His voice gives me tingles. —Dave
Actually, Juwan Howard signed a seven-year, $105 million contract after two years in the NBA.
Oh, and as is indicated by the Washington’s 1996-1997 and 1997-1998 seasons, Juwan Howard is a pure 4 on offense and defense — which is just like LaMarcus Aldridge — while Chris Webber’s good handles, facilitating prowess, and long-distance range allowed him to play the 3 for a couple of years somewhat effectively. All in all, Webber at his peak was on a much higher level than a prime Howard or present-day Aldridge.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
Really nice writing, Dave
.. subtle, wise, and with perspective. Beautifully done!
Listening to the radio the one question I had when everybody mentioned
that he has been here done that is…. besides losing in the final four 2wice in college what else has he done? I mean we are looking for championships, has he seen what it takes for that? (Im lazy, I havnt looked up wether or not he has been on a contending roster but I have the assumption that he hasnt.)
But reading this article by dave has brought the perspective that maybe not going to the promise land doesn’t matter too much since he has seen how contenders have fallen by the wayside, and perhaps can steer us clear of that just based on the time he has been in the league and who he has soaked it all up from. Hopefully this works out like we rationalize that it might.
He was part of a team that made the second round of the playoffs.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DAL/2001.html
I guess that makes him the Blazer who went the deepest into the playoffs fwiw.
Steve Blake has 15 games playoff experience. Howard has 23. FWIW.
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
right, Miller and Howard are the 'sherpas' that Dave called for at the beginning of the summer
but these guys have only reached NBA base camp, they haven’t scaled the mountain to the summit
Still, the bench has been upgraded. And hopefully will be upgraded further before the
’school of hard knocks
’ begins again in earnest, next April
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
You're correct
that his career has been one of the more disappointing in the league given the reputation-to-winning ratio. However that is one of the things that might actually help in this situation. He’s seen some success. He’s also seen a lot of teams that were supposed to win but didn’t perform up to expectations. He was part of that perhaps, but his teammates were as well. He should have some meaningful stories to share about how easy it is to let your opportunities slip by and how much better it is to actually succeed. You can accumulate all the money and stats you want (and he has) but there’s still something missing at the end of the day if you don’t make it deep. At least I hope those are some of the perspectives he’ll share from his own experience. I would hasten to add that this doesn’t sum up his entire experience either. He’s actually done quite a few good things and been valued by the teams he’s been on.
—Dave
by Dave on Sep 18, 2009 3:46 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I guess the point is
not to sell Juwan as the best thing since sliced bread. It’s to say that there’s no way in which this signing hurts the team and there are several subtle ways it could help if things click right. It’s all good.
I would not be saying the same about Swift or Ostertag. That’s the part that distinguishes Juwan. Unlike them he has a chance to have an effect more than just playing a few minutes as a deep reserve player. Whether he actually takes advantage of that chance and whether the team will allow him that role are still open questions. But the signing was worth it for that chance.
—Dave
It’s true that good organizations look for people who have dealt with failure and live to tell the tale, but typically they look for people who have overcome failure and succeeded measurably later. Not sure that applies to Howard.
And there is no way in which he hurts the team? There are always chemistry and injury concerns, and I guess we can agree that we don’t want to see him get extended minutes (>= what Channing got last year). He has made a number of teams worse when he came on board and better once he left in terms of wins. Might be a coincidence, might be not.
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
by Norsktroll on Sep 18, 2009 7:15 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
so, in other words
the Howard signing rates a “meh” instead of a “bleah!” for Stomile/Ostertag/etc
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Just say it already Dave
Juwan’s role will be that of player/coach. With more emphasis on the latter role. He is capable to play if needed due to an injury but Juwan knows that he is insurance as a player. I though he did realy well in that role withthe Nuggets helping Nene learn the game before AI came on board. Sure those Denver teams stunk (ie weren’t playff teams) Howard was important part of that team growing beyond himself. That is the very trait we signed him for.
Often people forget that it is the mediocre players in the league that make the best coaches; since they had to learn the tricks and work their butts off just to stay in the league. Whereas stars have inate ability that can’t be taught. But if you can teach future stars those tricks they can go from almost allstar to an allstar (ahem, Lma). Hopefully Juwan is one mor evoice to help in that regard.
That's about as good an analysis as has been posted on this site in a month of sundays.
Thanks for sharing the perspective.
Thanks Dave. Isn't it nice that we're getting back to basketball? Whew.
I was a big fan of the Fab Five at Michigan and whereas Chris Webber there was the one with unbelievable talent Juwan Howard seemed wise beyond his years even then. I haven’t followed him that closely through his pro career but Oh Lord he’s got a lot more between the ears than Ostertag or Swift. My guess is he’ll make a basket here and there that will be very helpful, and behind the scenes it seems like he’ll be good for Lamarcus.
By “behind the scenes” I mean in practice, but more than that.
And now pretty soon the team will actually start to practice, wherein Nate will see what he’s got. This is a big year for him (as I believe most everyone here knows).
ignacio
Nate's done that plenty
I think Travis called it “fussing” in his tweets
I’m not sure Howard will “get through” to Outlaw any better than Sarge has, in 4 years of trying
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
"Sarge" left when Z-bo and Darius were sent packing
Though Coach Nate has remained. My point is only the jugheads referred to Nate as “Sarge”. I don’t recall anyone in Seattle ever calling Nate, “Sarge” either.
Nice
I haven’t seen juwan play in a year or two but last time I did I liked his game. He should make a great role player off the bench if he can get some minutes. I wouldn’t mind seeing him take some minutes from travis.
Life's short, Stunt it!!
by Irwin Fletcher on Sep 18, 2009 7:26 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
I wouldn’t mind seeing him take some minutes from travis
When Greg/Joel/LMA are in early foul trouble and the other team is killin’ in the low post, you better believe that Portland will need another defender in the paint
I’m just not sure how often Juwan will be on the active list, to be available for that contingency
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Juwan Howard is a worse defender than LaMarcus Aldridge and likely worse than Travis Outalw.
Howard is essentially a washed-up version of Aldridge, as well as completely useless with his back to the basket in the paint or manning up against anyone inside.
If Portland wanted a veteran pivotman who could play defense, then Greg Ostertag would’ve honestly been a better option. Even during Ostertag’s final stint with the Utah Jazz, the stats indicated he could still play good defense. That’s never been the case with Howard, however. Either way, though, signing an over-the-hill has-been — whether it was a big body like Ostertag or an out-‘n’-out bum like Howard — wouldn’t’ve been the most intellectually sound transaction.
As harsh of a reality as it may seem to some folks, the Portland Trail Blazers will be in a world of hurt if Greg Oden or Joel Przybilla suffer a severe injury. In fact, the Trail Blazers should easily fall below 50 wins in that case. I’d feel way better right now if the team had a young, fiery third-string center who can play defense (e.g., Dwayne Jones) instead of an undersized, broken-down scrub like Jeff Pendergaph on the roster.
Although I respect Pritchard for signing damaged goods like Pendergraph to a cost-effective contract as a favor to Nate McMillan — since one can assume that he pushed for him being drafted — and out of kindness, it doesn’t mean the third-string center spot has been solidified in any viable fashion.
Kevin Pritchard is playing with fire and he’s about to burn not only himself, but each and every one of those fans who deify him. Rather than move Travis Outlaw and Jerryd Bayless for a true backup 4 who can play center in a pinch (e.g., Nick Collison) and, in turn, fill out the roster with a defensive-minded wing (e.g., Ime Udoka) as injury insurance behind Martell Webster, Pritchard has ironically put himself in a precarious position by ostensibly playing it safe.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
how much worse of a low-post defender is Howard than Frye?
Channing was the backup C last year, or tried to be
I’ve heard Juwan knows some veteran tricks, it will be interesting to hear if he teaches any of these to LMA, Greg, etc
one more roster spot left, so maybe they’ll sign a Stephen Hill clone
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
The problem with Steven Hill is that he had no offensive game, which is why I'd rather put ...
my attention on a young center like Dwayne Jones who’s outstanding at defense without being entirely useless on offense.
Juwan Howard is just as abysmal on defense as Channing Frye, even though Frye does drift further away from the basket on offense. They’re both prototypical power soft forwards, though.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
Yes he's "Over the Hill"
but don’t you think the mentoring abilities of both him and Miller will be invaluable this season? I’d roll the dice like KP did for just that reason alone. Broy, LMA, GO, etc. still require training that is only available from person’s that have been there, done that. I believe it’s true in any profession.
Juwan Howard can mentor LaMarcus Aldridge how to play soft get overpaid for it.
Sarcasm aside, off-court chemistry and veteran mentoring are two worthless intagibles that people overrate for some inane, fatuous reason. With regards to Aldridge, he’d be better off getting pushed in practice by a tenacious, unyielding frontline player like Nick Collison or Jeff Foster. Unlike Howard, Collison or Foster would be there persistently breathing down Aldridge’s neck; consequently, he’d be forced to buck up and play with grit and resolve.
Anyway, if Howard is such a, phenomenal, awe-inspiring mentor, then he should retire and became an assistant coach. Y’know, though, if Howard truly was this smart, savvy observer of the game of basketball with limitless teaching abilities, then he’d’ve retired a couple years ago after realizing that his skills have eroded to the point of him being a detriment on the court.
Frankly, my assessment of Howard is that he’s an also-ran who’s looking for one last shot at glory. That’s in spite the fact that by now he should’ve been eighty-sixed by NBA franchises and thereby put out to pasture. Analogously, Howard is to a Terri Schiavo as Kevin Pritchard is to Robert and Mary Schindler. Without a doubt, the plug will ultimately be pulled on Howard’s career. It’ll happen sooner rather than later, too.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
Even as a Seattle SuperSonics fan, I applauded the Portland Trail Blazers ...
for drafting Greg Oden instead of the overhyped Kevin Durant. I was a Brandon Roy fan from the onset, although there might be some UW bias there. Recently, I feel the Andre Miller signing will bring some short-term benefits to the ballclub.
I have high hopes for Nicolas Batum and Rudy Fernandez’s future here — even though I dislike the Scottie Pippen comparisons for the Frenchman — as well as am one of the staunchest, most steadfast supporters of Joel Przybilla.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
Have you ever owned a business
or been in a situation where you have trained up and comers? If you haven’t you can’t understand how important a mentor can be. It can be the difference between success and failure for some. Nothing against your comments. I’m in that situation and know the importance of helping young talent and the many things that must be done to bring them along.
Hey, AK
What was Portland’s record last year when Oden was out? He missed 21 games. How’d we do, do you know?
Just wondering, since if either he or Joel is out for any length of time, we’re doomed, according to you.
Just in case you might not know, I’ll help. We were 4-2 in his first stretch out, with home wins against S.A., Houston, and Minnesota, a road win at Orlando, and road losses at Phoenix and Utah. So 5 of the 6 were against winning teams, and we still went 4-2.
In his second stretch, we went 10-5. Home wins against Memphis, Atlanta, LAC, S.A., Indiana, Minnesota, LAL, NJ, and home loss to Dallas. Road wins at Minnesota and Memphis, road losses to Houston, S.A., Denver, and Atlanta. Eight of the 15 were against winning teams.
Total: 14-7 (which would work out to 55 wins over a season). Twelve were at home, nine on the road. Thirteen were against winning teams, only 8 against losers.
It will be very bad if we lose either of our centers for the playoffs, no matter who we get in reserve, but if we end up without one of them for 15-20 games, it isn’t going to kill our season.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
He's a bust
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
Your statement:
They needed someone who knows the right words to say, knows when to apply those words and when to keep silent, and has enough talent to be listened to but enough sense of his place not to try and take over the team.
Yet reportedly on the first day practicing with the team, he is telling the guys to stick around and play more games. Way to ease yourself into the group Juwan. Still, I’d guess/hope that he has acquired enough people skills along the way to know not to tread too heavily too early.
Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis -- Dave
Also: COMCAST SUCKS!
It sounds like it was received well
He will automatically have some credibility, and the key is probably mostly how things are said.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
Exactly.
It’s all about how it is received by the rest of the team. But from what I read, we don’t really know about that do we? And as you pointed out, how it was said has everything to do with how it might be received (I don’t think we really know that either, do we?).
Time will tell how willing our stars and stars to be will continue listening to a washed up ‘old’ guy who is not their coach. I suspect they will be far more likely to open their ears to Andre Miller not only because he is a veteran but because he will actually be playing a crucial role on the court.
Slightly off that subject, I’ve always felt the best situation for any team is when your best player is your leader, ala the Celts and Bird, the Bulls and Jordan, and the Blazers and Roy. The players respect and listen to those guys. That was a problem in the Drexler era. Clyde was our best player but not a leader.
Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis -- Dave
Also: COMCAST SUCKS!
I don't think it would have been reported as a positive
if it wasn’t well received. But you are right, we can’t know for certain.
As to best player being the leader, it depends on your best player. If he is willing to accept and actively back the leadership of someone else, it can work well.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
he also told the "other team" in the scrimmage
to keep feeding Greg the ball, even though he was the guy guarding Oden
Respect is earned for the new guy, it’s not like he’s trying to become the bwana
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I love that.
Hopefully, his teammates heed his advice and keep feeding Oden when he has it going.
If nothing else, Greg Oden should look like a champ against Juwan Howard's soft defense.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
Alternatively (a pessimistic outlook), Juwan just wanted more reps on D
Sure Oden may have had a “hot hand” but Juwan was really just rtying to play himself into shape.
I jest of course, Juwan will be far more valuabe than Raef ever was. Though Raef should of had the same role (and I don’t mean sitting at home collecting paychecks from the insurace company all season long).
Juwan Howard has one more thing that he needs in order to really be heard!
Juwan Howard was never a super talented athlete. In order to survive, he had to use his head. It was more necessary for him than for most to develop a variety of skills, moves, and tricks in order to become anything more than a journeyman NBA player.
In his fifteen years of playing professional ball, he had to prove himself over and over again as he moved from game to game and from team to team. He was not all that tall, not all that fast, and certainly not a high riser. And yet he survived over the long haul.
With a career scoring average of around 14 points a game, in over 1000 games, he has developed something vital, something even more important to this years Trailblazers than his ability to play, and that is his CREDIBILITY.
With managements backing, he has the ability to speak and be heard. In the minds of his "peers" he has earned that right because they are witnesses to what he has accomplished.
Even in college, he was a player in the national spotlight. And now, he has become a genuine elder statesman to a set of teammates who may be starving for what he has to offer. In this final act, he no longer carries the burden of having to prove it every day on the court, a sprinkling here and there will more than sufficient.
As someone nearing retirement he represents a unique perspective, and without the weight of any ulterior motives other than the desire to win a title before he hangs it up, his voice, in some ways, will carry even more weight than Nate’s.
The Fab Five as a group served as role models to those who came after them. Hopefully Juwan Howard has just accepted the best role of his career, one that will finish with him gaining the personal satisfaction of knowing that he has reached the highest level of success (an NBA title) by using his head from the beginning of his career to the end.
There is more to an athlete than how fast they can run, they also better be able to see what they are doing and know why they are doing it.
I think he'll be slightly better than last year's Frye but significantly worse 2007-2008 Frye
I really hope Nate doesn’t play him.
If Travis is getting pushed around
and we need to burn some fouls, he’ll have six of them.
If we are healthy, I doubt he makes the 12 man active roster.
Greg, Joel. (2)
LMA, Travis, Dante (3)
Nic, Martell (2)
Brandon, Rudy (2)
Andre, Steve, Jerryd (3)
That’s twelve. To even be on the active list, he has to beat out Dante. If he actually plays well enough to do that, I don’t mind if Nate gives him spot minutes here and there. But I don’t expect it to happen.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
Added Value?
Come on. It’s Juwan Howard in his twilight….his switch on the headlights because it’s almost night, twilight. Added Value? He’s played on 4 different teams in the past 4 years. If Juwan Howard brought too much extra value to any team he wouldn’t be the poster boy for U-Haul.
So far his proven veteran savy has been to know how to say all the right things during his introductory media conference.
That’s not to say that he won’t be of value and it is nice to have “role” players willing to play roles deep on your roster.
But I think a gushing, kiss up to the locals media conference has a lot of fans over valuing what Juwan Howard could be/is to The Blazers. He’s a one year contract guy, that you shouldn’t be seeing a lot of. Plus veteran savy aside, if he is the answer in your locker room? Over the years I haven’t heard a lot of “The Sterling Wisdom of Juwan Howard” stories from anyplace he has been.
Let me take a Alan Iverson tone…..We’re talking Juwan Howard people. Juwan Howard. …..He’s Juwan Howard.
Nothing more….nothing less.
"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"
We're talkin about a practice guy! A practice guy!
Jeez.
But he’s a vet who will have more clout than a guy like Shavlik did. He likely won’t even be on the active roster unless someone gets hurt. Therefore, he’s a good practice guy, who can fill in a pinch and who has the respect of his younger teammates. And he’s not eating into the salary cap space too much. So I don’t see how this is a bad move. Maybe not great. But it’s not like our 14th spot pickup was going to be great anyway.
We Talking 'Bout PRACTICE!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI
"whoever scores the most points is probably gonna win the game"
How can I make my teammates better with Juwan Howard?
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
Nice write up, Dave. Thanks.
Another potential value, Juwan may be good asset in the playoffs. We had a lot of “deer-in-the-headlights” performances last year. In the playoffs, a few veteran minutes here and there might be invaluable to shake up the playoff neophytes and get their heads back in the game.
The chemistry the team had last year seemed to work against them every once in a while. Something bad would happen, and it was like everyone’s confidence just flat-lined. Nate would have to call a timeout and give everyone a pep talk to build them back up. I always felt like timeouts were less about designing plays or talking general strategy and more about getting this young team to believe in themselves.
Hopefully, Andre and Juwan will help in that department in the regular season and the Playoffs.
Our most playoff-experienced player had a very memorable deer-in-the-headlights airball (Blake), whereas guys with no NBA playoff experience looked pretty solid (Roy, LaMarcus, Rudy, ...) and others equally mediocre (Nic, Travis)
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
And that’s not to say it was the sole fault that the comeback didn’t work out, just that it wasn’t exactly a veteran-savy move. Our problem was digging ourselves deep holes at the beginning of the series and in almost every game, falling back by double digits. That’s not when a veteran on the bench can do much, that’s when the system the coaches have designed needs to work and the stars of the team need to carry it aggressively.
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
The Blazers got their playoff feet wet this year.
They’ll get more playoff experience next year.
The year after that, there will be few teams with as much playoff experience.
They will be NBA veterans by then.
And they’ll just be entering their prime.
by MiledAnimal on Sep 18, 2009 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Didn't claim that Juwan was the answer to all prayers
[KP has brought in Andre as well and that was a different topic]. The fact that the person with the most playoff experience was Blake, might just as easily reinforce my point. He’s only been in the league for 6 years, as many as Travis. Blake is no veteran who can command the attention of the entire squad, provide leadership. With his style, he might never be. Veteran leadership, that hopefully Juwan might bring to the table, is very different than experience. [Leadership vs Experience is a soapbox subject of its own accord].
Travis, was our go-to guy in the second unit, and frequently referred to as Mr Fourth Quarter. Travis’ FG% dropped from 45.3% to 38.1%; his 3P% dropped from 35.9% to 25%. Those are big drops for your go-to guy. Without stirring up Travis arguments, could some veteran leadership help Travis get his head back in the game?
Roy was our leader, there again, we have a 3rd year pro providing leadership. he is a leader, not a veteran leader. He is still growing to where he can get other peoples heads back in the game. [Ala Avery Johnson with the Spurs]. On the other hand, sounds like Juwan even from his first practice, is offering veteran leadership. It will interesting to see how skilled he is in this role, and whether the team gravitates towards/around that leadership.
meant 45.3% to 31.8% (not 38.1)
slight lysdexia, sorry.
You make some very good points, even Roy has ben asking for some of the kind of the VETERAN LEADERSHIP that you describe.
Some people seem to be having difficulty differentiating his assigned role on the PTB from his role all the other teams he has played for. The difference here may be that management is backing of him as a veteran player/assistant coach.
Here in Portland, he should be able to have open lines communication with both the players and management. Remember the guy in Chicago during their championship years whose role on the team was to look after Dennis Rodman? I.e. Howard has been given a unique opportunity, it is clear from the way they introduced him, that he did not just join the team—if he can handle it—he semi-officially joined the coaching staff.
There is more to an athlete than how fast they can run, they also better be able to see what they are doing and know why they are doing it.
by KINGofMACct on Sep 18, 2009 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Thanks.
Yes, indeed, like you said Roy and Nate have been asking for veteran leadership; sort of the second coach. Hopefully, Andre provides the veteran leadership in the back-court and Juwan provides some front court veteran leadership. Regardless of what he did in the past, this is indeed a unique opportunity. Like you said, the environment is right, and he seems to have the right approach, it just might be that little last piece that falls into place and makes for something real special. Time will tell…
I agree that a player like Miller will provide leadership on the court, same would have been the case (in theory) with a player like Hedo or Carter. One who actually plays and can influence the outcome of a critical game by controlling the pace and the action. I don’t give much credence to the concept of a veteran on the bench or in practice having a big influence, and Howard so far has done little in such a role on other teams. The best players on the team and the head coach have to lead by example in critical situations anyway, there is not much an assistant coach or a non-playing veteran can do to prepare and advise them even if they have more experience in those situations. And it has been shown time and again that younger teams/players with just a modicum of experience perform better in the playoffs than aging ones.
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
Disagree on last statement
And it has been shown time and again that younger teams/players with just a modicum of experience perform better in the playoffs than aging ones.
The numerous championships won by aging Celtics, and more recently aging Spurs. There is plenty of evidence against that last statement. It is a generalization at best.
(A) It’s an urban myth that the old team is at a great advantage against a younger team in the playoffs, can’t find the article at the moment (I think it was on TrueHoop) but it has been statistically disproven. (B) while getting up there the Celtics and Spurs aren’t really that old, which is why they didn’t/won’t go away from contention as soon as people always hope.
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
It’s an urban myth that the old team is at a great advantage against a younger team in the playoffs
but this does not mean the converse is true. What indication is there that younger teams perform better?
The aged Celtics teams that I refer to are the ones that one so many championships. The last one won in 1986, included a limping Bill Walton winning 6th man of the year, beating out the real young twin towers Houston squad of Hakeem and Sampson. Even the championship Lakers of the 80s had aging Kareem and Worthy as their premier front court.
Old teams may not have an advantage, but they might not have a disadvantage either. There have been too many winning old teams to be able to claim that young teams perform better.
there is a correlation between experience and winning
but that correlation is just as strong for the regular season as for the playoffs.
Put another way, if you have two teams that achieve equal record/point differential in the regular season, there is no evidence that the more veteran team will do better in the playoffs. In fact, Hollinger showed that younger teams actually perform slightly better relative to their regular season point differential as veteran teams.
Perhaps any advantage for younger teams
comes in that they are less vulnerable to injury.
Ultimately, the best team usually wins, young or old.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
less vulnerable to injury, less tired bodies down the stretch...
Ultimately, the best team usually wins, young or old.
100% correct.
Also, why do you assume that Howard wont play?
As a team, we would look to Travis, as he is the current long term option. But in spot situations where Travis is not cutting it, or where the matchups dictate against, Juwan Howard is could get minutes. He is a viable backup to LMA.
We’ve been clamoring for a banger. At 6’9 250, he is right in there with Paul Millsap 6’8" 250, and Anotnio McDyess 6’9" 245. Juwan’s age is against him, but I’d be real surprised, if Juwan isn’t playing when the need dictates.
Channing Frye averaged 9 mpg in the playoffs
and Howard, would seem like the current viable alternate for when we felt we had to try Channing Frye. And thats assuming that he doesn’t demonstrate he has more to offer. Also assumes that in the playoffs we will filed the best roster to win current games and not look overly to grow experience for future championship runs. [Lastly, assumes that we go into playoffs with current roster, and the playoffs are a long way away].
I hope he doesn't play. I don't assume it.
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
Could you expand?
Must admit, I’m in the dark here. What would be the concerns if he did play?
It would mean that one of our 3 bigs was injured if he would see significant playing time
That would be bad in the regular season, and pretty disastrous in the playoffs. The concerns would be that in the last playoffs he was in he posted a negative PER. He was atrocious. As a player-coach that might work somehow, as a player who sees big minutes I better don’t want to see that.
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
Even without injury, who's the backup to LMA?
Dont think anyone hopes that Howard will have extended minutes. But with the lack of an established backup PF, I’d be surprised that Howard is a
non-playing veteranduring the playoffs. The only point that my original post claimed that a few veteran minutes here and there might shake young kids out of possible stage fright, or similar stupor. Too early to know whether Howard will be successful, but there certainly is an opportunity and a role for him to add value.
Stylistically, there's almost no similarities between Paul Millsap and Juwan Howard.
Millsap is an undersized low-post banger who rebounds proficiently, scores efficiently, and plays hard-nosed defense, while Juwan Howard is a Charmin soft high-post face-up shooter who doesn’t crash the boards, launches inefficient mid-range jumpers, and sucks on defense.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
It has been stated repeatedly on this site that KP does not like midseason trades
That being said I would personally be surprised if the roster we have right now is the same one that goes into the postseason.If or when the right deal comes along I believe KP will pull the trigger.There will almost certainly be changes in how other GM’s feel about there roster as the season progresses.Many things can contribute to this(injuries,less then anticipated player growth,bad chemistry,etc.).If nothing does present itself during the season I am still optimistic that we have the depth & talent to compete at a high level.
"BEER IS LIVING PROOF THAT GOD LOVES US"
- Benjamin Franklin-
by We-B-Dunkin on Sep 18, 2009 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's about how I feel
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
I don't understand why there is such a debate here.
The guy isn’t going to get very many minutes at all. He’s not looking to be a star of this team. I think he was brought in for his experience and attitude. He’s going to push our guys to be better, he’s going to see things on the court they don’t see, he’s an old man without a championship surrounded by championship-caliber talent.
This smells like a move at hiring a new assistant coach that can be more active in practice. The Blazers have needed more badditude AND veteran wisdom, they got both in Howard. It’s a great move, KP knocks another one out of the park.
Life is hilarious.
Could'a been Allen Iverson instead of Howard < grin >
I suspect Howard will be a good practice guy. I’m sure he has shareable knowledge on how to win games, and how not to lose games. Minute details are the difference between a good (deep run) playoff team and a championship.
by Rick C in Tigard on Sep 18, 2009 1:29 PM PDT reply actions
expendable
Travis is, looks to me that JH and DC are the backups to LMA this and Pendy next.
by DucRider on Sep 18, 2009 4:05 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
I'm suprised nobody has yet said it.
JUWAN HOWARD SIGN WITH THE BLAZERS IN ATTEMPT TO GET A RING.
Knowing full well his role will be as a player/coach whos player role is defined as injury insurance. Vets are being drawn to our team because they want a ring. I mean Ostertag isn’t really thinking he can outplay Joel or Greg…he wants a ring too. Whoever we signed was going to be a 14th man; an injury insurance player. In the Blazers transition to playoff team, those guys are now vets and not players hoping to stay in the league (eg the Steven Hills or Shav Randolphs of the league).
If that was the case, then Cleveland would've been a better choice
Howard stated he was also interested in signing with Cleveland, Atlanta and Charlotte
.
http://www.columbian.com/article/20090918/SPORTS01/709189928/1001/SPORTS01
As much as I’d like to think that Portland can win it all this year, it’s more likely that they’re a year or two away. I don’t think even Howard expects to be around that long.
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Perhaps
I remain unconvinced of Cleveland, I think they may have made a mess of things in getting Shaq.
Time will tell. I think we are probably a year or two away, too, but I like our chances as much as Cleveland’s. The favorites this year, in no particular order, are LA, SA, and Boston, as far as I can see.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
It is done but
I would have considered Singleton recently or jumped for Powe earlier.
And there were others.
Some of this discussion about Howard's signing and the pejoratives from some seems silly
Juwan Howard is a Blazer. As one of our own it is time to embrace him. I am puzzled at all the couch GM’s who know better than KP. The oft-repeated nasty things being said by a few are not productive and one gets the sense that they want Howard to fail so they can be proven right. I sure hope this is a false impression.
The fact is Howard is chosen by KP to be a Blazer. The fact is his role is undetermined, as are many others, going into training camp. The fact is Howard’s performance is likely to be an improvement on Channing Frye just on FG% alone. In this league a washed-up player does not maintain a better FG% than every Blazer from last year except Greg and Joel. Yes Howard has not tailed off in his shooting and he continues to rebound better than any Portland rotation forward last year except LMA. These are the facts.
We can surmise all we want to as how he might fit and be used. KP said his role is veteran leadership. KP maybe just believes that he can accomplish that. I am looking forward to one more battle this year for position. We have it everywhere else but starting PF and starting SG. Now we have it for backup PF as well. One more minor weapon for Nate to draw upon when appropriate. I hope he will continue to shoot well and be a big improvement over Channing’s last year. But what I also hope is that we give him the courtesy of respect for his achievement of being signed as our 14th player. End of rant :)
I just listen for Casey. His voice gives me tingles. —Dave
Your facts are partly wrong, Howard’s rebounding isn’t that good due to his fading athleticism (he is good boxing out though to at least get those that come close to him). Last year and the previous year Channing Frye had a slightly better rebounding percentage than Howard, who was at 9.9% which isn’t really good, especially on the offensive boards he wasn’t effective. Travis at least in the previous year. Shavlik was much better in his limited time.
Channing is more expensive and wasn’t satisfied with his role anymore, so it made sense to let him go. But he was more skilled than any backup big man we have left. While still keeping his shooting percentages respectable Howard is tailing off, as evidenced by his dramatically declining Win Share, below-average PER, passing, increasing turnovers, etc. He isn’t a step forward on the floor. We can hope he fills a limited role well, and has success in an ‘embedded coach’ role.
Just because the Blazers do something it doesn’t have to be absolutely right. Discussing it is fair, and not everyone has the same opinion. Going from the interviews KP & Co. give, there is a TON of often controversial discussion between the members of the front office, the owner, and the coaching staff.
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
All we need our PF to do on the boards is box out
If Howard can still do that, that’s a plus. If he teaches Travis to do it, that’s a bigger plus.
"if Nate has Roy or Miller in the game at all times, that stagnation will turn into conflagration" -- two4larue
Bigger plus? That would be a miracle!
Maybe KP should hire Dennis Rodman to coach Travis on rebounding. I’m sure Rodman could teach Travis many things.
You are being selective and somwhat misleading with your facts
Howard, who was at 9.9% which isn’t really good, especially on the offensive boards he wasn’t effective.
Howard’s offensive rebound rate was 7.9 last year while Channing was at 6.7. that offensive rebounding rate (which is what I meant to say above) was better than any rotation forward (which is what I did say). Only LMA, Oden and Pryzbilla were better last year. Randolph was by not stretch of the imagination a rotation forward. Travis was at 3.8 last year. Using a prior year for Travis is being selectively misleading as Howard possesses much better rates in prior years as well.
You cite Howard’s declining PER as a reason that Channing was more skilled but Channing’s PER was still below Howard’s last year – probably part of the reason was his poor shooting. Howard did not decline in his shooting last year with a TS% of .510 while Channing was at .465 – the lowest of any player on the Blazers who played (Ruffins’s 35 minutes, Martell’s 5 minutes and Raef’s 0 minutes aside).
The major point of angst seems to be that KP did not make a trade for Nick Collison or similar player. I have followed Collison’s career from his freshman year at Kansas and I love Nick Collison. Nowhere have I read of even a rumor that Collison is available. And frankly I would not want Bayless and Outlaw playing for OKC against us. This is ignoring that there is still a roster spot open and an in-season trade is often more available than it is in the summer. If Ostertag or Collins make the team we have our 3rd center. If not there are players released every year in time for a playoff bound team to make an add. Isn’t that how Drew Gooden came to the Spurs? I think I called for a 3rd center before the draft last year. At that time few agreed.
Finally my comments are not taking to task civil disagreement. I am fully supportive (and am often amazed) of our discussion. I stand by my word pejorative but it was not used for you. I apologize if it was taken that way. With you I simply disagree with some of your facts and some opinion. As for the Blazer management being right – the point was they have more data, more experience and likely more expertise than all of us here put together (and I dearly love the amazing talent here). I suspect the numbers are not the primary reason Howard is here. So we will likely never know the extent of his positive (or not) influence on the team. Should we get swept in the first round this year (absent major injuries) it would be disappointing in Howard as well that the rest of the team.
I just listen for Casey. His voice gives me tingles. —Dave
Half right, half wrong
“…he continues to rebound better than any Portland rotation forward last year except LMA. These are the facts.”
08-09
Player Off Reb % Def Reb Rate
Howard 8.0 11.7
Batum 7 11.8
Outlaw 3.8 14.6
Frye 6.7 16.7
You have picked up Howard's last line but not the total for the year (he was also in Denver)
but it is still not much different on offensive rebounding. As noted above I meant offensive rebounding and left out the offensive. None of those players were as high as Howard in offensive rebounding. Thanks for the correction. I think your numbers above prove my point.
I just listen for Casey. His voice gives me tingles. —Dave
KP will do what he wants...
but I think this sounds better on paper or in the locker room than it sounds for on the court, especially come playoff time. To me.
He probably should play alongside Joel P., the bigger defensive rebounding monster, so far.
On Aldridge
I doubt Howard has much or any impact on Aldridge and his presence might delay Aldridge moving forward in becoming the co-leader that he needs to become.
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