Bring up the old man, and each Trail Blazer has a story.
A tale that signifies what 16-year veteran forward Juwan Howard has meant to the team. A symbol that captures Howard’s wisdom, passion, inner drive, confidence — and sometimes much-needed humor.
Howard as an inspiration.
Howard as the backbone.
Howard as the glue that binds.
He has that always-flowing source of energy that reminds rookies they can never take a day or play off, while reinforcing the will of star players who have temporarily lost their way.
To Blazers forward Martell Webster, Howard’s brightest moment this season came inside a small, nondescript room during an off day.
Interview: Check the Blazer Banter blog at columbian.com/blazerbanter for a transcript of an interview with Howard.