To:Juwan Howard, with love.
by GiantBlazer on Mar 18, 2010 2:55 AM PDT
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PrintThis is my first ever fan post, and I'm a wee bit nervous, but it's something I feel like addressing, and this site seems to be pretty nice, so here goes:
In the newest mailbag, Dave brings up some of the (very unreasonable) Juwan Howard bashing, and provides a very clever, humorous analogy, the quality of which I'm slightly jealous.
I can't believe how many people are calling out Juwan and complaining about him, when he's been huge this season. I think far too many people are forgetting the guy is a 37 year old forward who has been forced to play center for a large portion of this season, and, as Dave mentioned, far more minutes than he had become used to.
With all the talk about Miller being the unsung hero of this season, I think people need to realize the impact and influence Juwan has brought to our team as well. (Of course he hasn't been the difference maker Andre has, but he wasn't expected to, as Andre was, and he isn't getting the money Andre is) Juwan's impact isn't simply from a playing sense, but his mentality and on/off court antics. Between his banter with the other players, which is evident in every pre-game as the guys are on the court, his throwing of the ice bucket and tearing into the guys after the horrendous OKC game, and his subsequent "oh, really? These guys have never won here? we'll that's going to change tonight" and playfully pounding on the court in Phoenix before a huge win entering the all-star break, and his camaraderie with many of the leagues officials, and opposing players, his influence is all over the place.
Yeah, his offensive game isn't going to make any headlines (unless he dunks again), and yes, sometimes younger, faster players make him look like the 37 year old he is on defense, but he's been a solid contributer when asked, and there are several games this season we don't win without "old man river" out there for us.
Remember, also, that he came to Portland as an "insurance policy." If I could find an insurance policy with that huge of a payoff in any life situation, I'd be jumping for joy, not whining about whatever the real life equivalent of a few missed shots, and a few missed defensive stops may be.
I personally love the guy, he's quickly become one of my favorite players.
Plus, the guy's smile is incredible and very infectious.
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Blazers fans don't pick the old guy to be their favorite
Blazers fans pick rookies, potential draft picks, and flashy players from other teams as their favorite.
Andre Miller is an Anachronism
by tominhawaii on Mar 18, 2010 5:36 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
not my favorite Blazer, but one of my favorite NBA players over the last 10 years
I’d love to see the Blazers sign him next year, or better yet put him on the coaching staff. It seems like Juwan has really enjoyed his time with the young guys of Portland.
thank you Juwan, as your energy and veteran presence has been a huge contribution for this team.
How am I not myself? How am I not myself?
by thankyouforblaze on Mar 18, 2010 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions
It is all a matter of expectations.....
If you are comparing Juwan to most 37 year olds making the vet minimum, he has been great and has far exceeded all reasonable expectations.
OTOH, if you are just looking at performance, having a 37 year old with limited remaining athleticism is a problem. Juwan is not a good defender, and his +/- numbers make it very clear that the team frequently suffers when he is on the floor.
The love and appreciation are warranted, but a realistic view of Juwan’s limitations, at this point in his career, is legitimate too.
by upper left corner on Mar 18, 2010 6:11 AM PDT reply actions
That's what I was going to say
I like Howard a lot. I think he’s been great for the team and I enjoyed watching him play. On the other hand, there are definitely times when I think Cunningham would perform better.
This may be true
but how do you measure the effect that someone like howard HAS on Cunningham and the mentoring that has to be taking place at some level?
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
by ratbastird on Mar 18, 2010 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Precisely
I can just see Howard picking up Dante, putting him on his knee and saying, “And what kind of 3/4 do you want to be when you grow up, little man?”
"My shoulder is OK. And away we go." -- Nic Batum
"wang-dang diddly wubba SPROING wow-wow" -- Dave
sure, hard to measure that...
but if the discussion is about his minutes, I’m not sure he’s mentoring effect is relevant.
I tend to judge guys depending on their contract
So I can’t help but love Juwan. I love Andre cause tom is so mean to him.
by In Walks Rudy on Mar 18, 2010 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Tom being mean to Andre is part of Andre's contract?
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
Actually, it's part of TiH's contract
He gets to hate Andre, and NO BROWN M&Ms!
"My shoulder is OK. And away we go." -- Nic Batum
"wang-dang diddly wubba SPROING wow-wow" -- Dave
Juwan has given us everything he's had and made contributions
That does nothing to change my view that he’s the worst rotation player on a Western playoff team, by a large margin… and now we have Camby, and Dante’s a much better option at the 4… so Juwan should be playing emergency minutes only.
Firmly in favor of making a coaching change at the end of the season.
Free AK1984
totally right
I like him because he’s cheap and gives it his all, but he’s not that good. lol
by In Walks Rudy on Mar 18, 2010 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Good 1st post.
I like Juwan. He’s gotten more out of that 37-year-old body than I expected, and he was absolutely needed for a good stretch this season. Despite his stats not being stellar, we have a somewhat comfortable 4 ½ – 5 game lead over the 9th and 10th Rockets and Grizzlies. I doubt we’d have that without him.
Romance me with that Roy rainbow shot which took flight from way beyond the arc and sailed so high that before it came back down to earth sealing the victory, it kissed the rafters and said "You're mine baby."
by Blazer1342 on Mar 18, 2010 7:12 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Nice post
Howard is a great guy and I love what he has brought to the team. He has almost assuredly added to our win total this year one way and another, but unfortunately, he has players players who are better than him behind him in the line up. Defense is his biggest issue. Veteran savvy is his biggest strength.
21 + 52=
by KINGofMACct on Mar 18, 2010 7:49 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
hes the new goat
Heartbroken..... Our goats have escaped.
by Starvin' Marvin on Mar 18, 2010 8:54 AM PDT reply actions
have you moved away from Rudy as your goat?
by In Walks Rudy on Mar 18, 2010 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions
no
hes played better lately though
Heartbroken..... Our goats have escaped.
by Starvin' Marvin on Mar 18, 2010 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions
My cemented memory of Juwan
Was his defense on Duncan in our last game with the Spurs. Juwan though not a good defender made Tim look frustraded and impotent. The fourth quarter became the Ginobli show because Juwan made it so very difficult for Duncan. I would love for the Blazers to meet somehow with the Spurs in the playoffs just ot see that matchup again.
Juwan doesn’t do much but he does bring that “toughness” we were missing 2 years ago. Our other tough guys are Joel and Greg and clearly they won’t be seen on court again this season. I can’t remember the last time I read about the Blazers being soft. Thanks Juwan.
funny this was posted today
Yesterday I sent a letter to Juwan Howard:
I am very new to Portland. I moved here 10/16/2009. Since then my roommate has been teaching me the finer points of basketball. Until I moved here I have never been a big fan and actually just started watching because my roommate would want to watch the games.
Since watching I have immediately liked you as a player. You are one of my top two favorites of the team. I don’t have one favorite because I appreciate the different things that players can bring to the game. Although I love all our players you and Fernandez are my favorites.
Some people think it’s really odd that I don’t immediately gravitate to our stars on our team. But that is okay. This is what I tell them and I dare them to tell me I’m wrong:
When our players were hurt you really stepped up and filled the spot. I know you are older than most of the guys but I appreciate that no matter how hard the situation you always try your best. It really speaks volumes to see players really try when they are up against huge odds. I love that you give it your all on each game.
The second thing I like was the first game we lost with Camby. Any loss is rough but I saw a shot of you trying to laugh with Camby and lighten his mood. Camby really looked like he was taking the loss personal. I appreciate that you take the game serious but you don’t let it get you down. Morale is a hard thing to get back once lost and I think it is crucial to have someone like you around to help the guys out of a rough patch.
The third thing I like is that you really seem to enjoy the game. A lot of times players really seem like they are just working and is all business. And I understand it’s a job for you; it just happens to be the NBA. But I appreciate that you really get to do what many men and boys dream of AND YOU ENJOY IT! Everyone can get a job. But not everyone gets a job they can enjoy. And if you don’t enjoy it, you fool me every game.
The next thing I like was during the Celts game in Boston you got in that player’s face. Maybe it wasn’t your finest moment, but it definitely showed some fire that is great to see when necessary. Actually, that was the moment that sealed you as one of my favorite players. I always liked you above the others but at that point, I loooved you as a player. I almost don’t care what you do as long as you do what you’ve been doing and I’ll dare anyone to challenge me on that.
The fifth thing I like is your consistent performance. You don’t play like you are competing for glory. You seem like you play for love of the game. You play smart and you give that extra effort when necessary. No matter what happens we can rely on you to do your job and do it consistently. We know we can depend on you. There is a lot to be said for that.
The next thing I like is that you are an unselfish player. You realize that this is a team effort sport and you don’t play for yourself. You play for a team, a game, and a city. Now maybe I’m putting you on a pedestal at this point but so many times I have been turned off of sports and players for their selfishness. But I appreciate that you don’t play that way. We aren’t the best team in the league, but I can easily defend and get behind a team that plays together and works together. It’s hard to not love you guys!
The last but not least thing I love about you is that you seem like the backbone of the team. We have a lot of young guys and I see that you take the time to steer the team, rally them, and support them on the court and sideline. In short, I think a great team player performs well on the court but I love that you have so many positive impacts and in so many places. The team can really look to you for guidance. You are even tempered and you put your head down and work when it’s time to work. Even when watching you on the sideline sometimes I laugh to myself. I don’t think we would have performed so well when our players were hurt had you not been there to steer and guide us. You have the wisdom of a seasoned player but your value is not just what you bring to the court but the team.
As for the team, I love you guys. I hate to see us lose when we do but I only get angry when it seems like you guys aren’t trying your best. That being said, I get aggravated when we make those careless mistakes that everyone makes. But it is because I have seen what this team and you are capable of. I hate to see you guys not play your best because you are a great team and I love watching you play. You guys are fighters and and unselfish when playing. That is invaluable in a team and it is one of the many things I love you guys for. You don’t have to be the best for me to love you. You just gotta try.
So do I pay attention to the other guys? Sure I do! The team is not just a few but many. But I always look for you to come off the bench and I love it when you do. I’m always excited but I get more so when you play. I think if I didn’t love you as a player so much I honestly don’t think I would love the game so much. So thank you for helping me to learn, love, and appreciate basketball!
by 5mimi6 on Mar 18, 2010 10:50 AM PDT reply actions 7 recs
works for me.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
thats just long enough for me to not want to read it but feel like I should rec it
by In Walks Rudy on Mar 18, 2010 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed!
Well stated. The successful mixing of veterans with rookies began with Juwan’s addition. He brought Yoda wisdom to the game. Andre Miller added his quiet consistency. And now Camby, one of the top five rebounders in the entire NBA!
I find the sound of “Old Man River” sung in my head during Blazer games rather soothing.
#1 Fan of the Blazer Geezer Squad! Proving that life exists after 30 and beyond. Love the classics: Camby, Miller and Howard!
If I coudl rec this 5 more times I would
I completely agree. Juwan may not be averaging a double-double. he may not be the best forward in the league. (Did you really think he would be?) However, all off-season many people were yelling that the blazers needed some experience to take the next step. Many of those same people were calling out for Hinrich. (Can’t say I understand that, but…).
Juwan has been a shining example of professionalism and veteran experience. His presence has been vital to the bench (Not just the guys sitting on game day, but the entire team) and their growing experience. He knows how to play the game the right way and if you think the Blazers record would be anywhere near what it is without Juwan, you may know a lot less about basketball (and team sports in general) than you think.
Juwan is my Blazers MVP this year.
Thank you Juwan for what you bring to this team. The intangibles are just that intangible. But that does nto mean they are worthless.
by BlazerFanFromDenver on Mar 18, 2010 11:26 AM PDT reply actions
I think a lot of people play video games
there you’re constantly min/maxing. The better players take into consideration the overall effect on the raid, others simply look at their own personal numbers.
Either way, life isn’t a video game where the side benefits for min/maxing are clearly shown. Howard has been fantastic and meets all my expectations just fine.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
His hard fouls have at times been so invaluable
In order to stop a teams run and get one started ourselves or perhaps most importantly to keep the other team in line. You remember those few weeks where it was bash a Rudy? Don’t see that much more because Howard stood up for Rudy and it was enough to make others back down. That right there is intangible value.
If you watch the young players (particularly young forwards) reactions to Howards play time and you can tell that they look up to him. If anyone has tried to step up as an enforcer this season it has been Howard, and while he is not the biggest or most intimidating player on the court, he is one of the more respected ones. I remember a play in which a hot headed player bumped him and then turned around to snap at Juwan. After realizing who it was this player obvious did a “Whoa wrong Blazer to say something to” and apologized. Again that is intangible value, especially for a young team.
Howard been great.
He and miller were the ones to keep this team afloat. With that said, at 37, and way past his prime, is a total liability when he has to play big mins covering the center position.
I think you guys that are saying
that we would have been better off giving all of Howard’s minutes to Dante are waaay off. Dante is a rookie, for crying out loud, and is a 3/4, while Howard is a 4/5. Dante is an inch shorter and 30lbs lighter. How are you going to guard Dwight Howard with 6-8, 230lbs? Almost all of Howard’s minutes this year came playing center. I don’t care how old and slow he is, having a vet big man out there keeps the rest of the team calmer, and better able to function. His savvy, court vision and passing are worth something.
Not only that, but what happened to Pendergraph? Early on, he was getting all the run, now you don’t even see him in garbage time.
Experience does count
Thinks of all the tricks and “cheap” moves that LA and Greg can learn from this guy. It’s a mentality that no one will score on you. There’s a reason Juwan leads the league in flagrants. He has played a key role this season in over all attitude.
by wheresBlazerBill on Mar 18, 2010 10:04 PM PDT reply actions
kudos
To the geriatric dunk squad!
Geriatric Dunk Squad!
3/7/10 - Andre Miller Tomahawk jams on the Denver Nuggets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-JVgm7F1QA
1/4/10 - Juwan Howard dunks on Chris Kaman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTkOqDgLb6s
by Eat Politicians on Mar 19, 2010 12:42 AM PDT reply actions
I said this same thing
in response to who was our MVP this year. How can it be anyone other than Juwan? WIthout him, this season borders on disastrous. Excellent post, and one that I agree with 100%. Posters that have bashed on Juwan may have a few good points (i.e. nonexistent D), but anyone who thinks he hasn’t been a huge boon for us knows something that I don’t.
BBS
by BringBackSabonis on Mar 19, 2010 6:08 PM PDT reply actions
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