Howard granted OK to interview with T’wolves
Heat assistant appears to be getting look at third different job
MIAMI — Miami Heat assistant coach Juwan Howard is in play for a coaching vacancy for a third time this offseason, with the Heat granting permission for an interview with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Howard previously interviewed with the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Lakers, who initially expressed significant interest in Tyronn Lue and Monty Williams, on Monday named former Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic coach Frank Vogel as their replacement for Luke Walton. The Cavaliers on Monday selected Michigan coach John Beilein as their successor to interim coach Larry Drew.
The Timberwolves, who now are being led by recently named President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas, were believed to be leaning toward retaining interim coach Ryan Saunders. ESPN reported that Saunders remains a candidate, with the Timberwolves now also to interview Howard and Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach David Vanterpool, New Orleans Pelicans assistant Chris Finch and Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham.
“We’re going to bring in highlevel people here, and over time I would love this organization to be a hotbed for future coaches and future GMs because of the success we’re having,” Rosas said during his introductory media session last week.
The Timberwolves have an intriguing talent pool that includes center Karl-Anthony Towns and forward Andrew Wiggins. Unlike the Lakers, and more in line with the Cavaliers, such a debut as head coach with the ‘Wolves could ease Howard’s transition.
The Timberwolves are seeking a permanent replacement for Tom Thibodeau, who was dismissed early last season in the wake of trade discussions with the Heat regarding Jimmy Butler. Sanders then closed with a 17-25 record as interim coach.
Howard also has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the void created by Beilein’s departure at Howard’s alma mater. In addition, Howard also been linked to the possibility of serving s a possible lead assistant to Beilein in Cleveland.
Howard was bypassed in the 2018 offseason after interviewing for coaching vacancies with the Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets.
The former All-Star forward who has served as a Heat assistant since the 2013-14 season, has been in contact throughout the process with Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who has encouraged such growth possibilities for his staff.
Howard has spent extensive time on the development of the Heat’s big men, credited for his work first with Hassan Whiteside and more recently with 2017 first-round pick Bam Adebayo.
Beyond the Timberwolves, the only other NBA coaching vacancy at the moment is with Memphis Grizzlies.
Spoelstra made a minor tweak with his staff last season, with former Heat guard Anthony Carter added as a developmental coach, frequently remaining behind on road trips to work with injured or rehabilitating players.
Spoelstra previously returned assistant Dan Craig to his staff and added Octavio De La Grana as an assistant in 2016-17, after David Fizdale left to become coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, accompanied in that move by then-Heat assistant Keith Smart.
Prior to that move, the previous shakeup of Spoelstra’s staff came after the 2013-14 season, when Bob McAdoo was transitioned to a scouting role and Ron Rothstein to a broadcasting role, with former Heat guard Chris Quinn and Smart added as assistants.
Howard, 46, was added as a Heat assistant when Keith Askins moved into the front office after the 2012-13 season. That move came after Howard returned to the Heat roster for the later stages of the ‘12-13 championship season. Three-time major winner and defending champ Brooks Koepka says “sometimes the majors are the easiest ones to win.”