Juwan Howard may not have played the most vital on-court role for the Miami Heat teams that won NBA titles in 2012 and 2013, but he was a consummate professional and a noteworthy veteran figure. As a coach, players such as Kelly Olynyk have realized how much Howard continued to mean to the Heat.
It only made sense that Howard joined head coach Erik Spoelstra's staff as an assistant prior to the 2013-14 season. That same year marked a transitional phase for the franchise.
The Heat lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2014 NBA Finals, and any potential dynasty was quickly dismissed with the departure of LeBron James in free agency and a subsequent heart condition that limited Chris Bosh and ultimately forced him to retire.
Through it all, Miami remained competitive, reaching the playoffs in Howard's first five years on the bench. But when he was presented with the opportunity to be the head coach of his alma mater at the University of Michigan, Howard could not pass it up.
Speaking to Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel, Heat forward Kelly Olynyk said that Howard's absence will certainly have an impact on the organization:
“It's a massive loss, not only as a coach, but as a person, a mentor to a lot of guys, just his experience, his steady head, his willingness to want everybody to be better, his never-stop attitude,” Olynyk said during an appearance at the Heat's youth camp at Cooper City High School.
“He was an integral part of the coaching staff and our team and our drive and our momentum. It's a tough loss, but it's a huge gain for Michigan.”
The Heat will be faced with a challenging offseason. They will try to navigate payroll inflexibility and improve the team in an effort to get back to the playoffs next year.
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