How Juwan Howard helped guide younger Portland Trail Blazers players is detailed in a piece by the Athletic’s Brendan Quinn. According to Quinn, Howard came to Portland to provide guidance to both LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden, and in the process, developed an interest in coaching.
It looked like Howard had shed his last skin when, entering 2009-10, Portland called. Nate McMillan needed a reliable, veteran to add depth and mentor young bigs LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden. Until then, Howard thought his post-playing future would be in an NBA front office.