It looks like Juwan Howard is moving on

I've become a bit of a Juwan Howard fan over the last year he played for the Blazers.  He's been a great role-player for the Blazers, and he's been a great mentor to the younger players.  But it looks like he's going to try to chase the ring and hook up with the new Big 3 in Miami.  Though nothing is official yet, it looks like the deal is all but settled.

The Heat are looking for experienced players who'll play for the minimum and a true chance at a ring - and Juwan fits that to the letter.  One thing is for sure though, whenever Juwan comes back to the Rose Garden to play, the crowd will give him an ovation that will make him think twice about his decision.  I'm sure of it.

I feel good for Juwan.  But his legacy will continue to pay dividends in Portland.  Juwan, more than anybody else, was the direct mentor to Jeff Pendegraph.  Pendegraph was all raw talent - and Juwan definitely coached him on the mental piece of the game.  And in pre-game coverage, it really showed that Juwan and Jeff had a bond.  So Juwan may be gone, but he's left us a great young player in better shape than when he found him.  What else can you ask for?

Speaking of Jeff Pendegraph, he'll be starting with Dante Cunningham tonight in Summer League play against the Hornets tonight.  I was kind of thinking of watching the MLB All-Star game - but now I'm thinking better of it.  I'd really rather watch our young players to see how they've come along.  Maybe they'll give me good reason to be excited for the coming NBA season.  I'm really hoping so.