How Marquette sniper Howard landed here
At some point, likely during the second round of the NBA draft on Nov. 18, Markus Howard came to a realization.
As badly as the NCAA’s leading scorer wanted to hear his name called — felt he deserved to hear his name called — Howard reasoned he was better off an undrafted free agent than late pick bound for the churn of roster turnover.
“It was kind of putting my pride aside because of course every kid’s dream is to get drafted and hear their name called,” Howard told The Denver Post. “I wanted to get my career off to a great start and really be in the best fit possible.”
Howard spent four dazzling years at Marquette scorching school, and Big East, scoring records. His prodigious shooting authored a career- high 27.8 points per game his senior season, including 41% from 3- point range. If Howard was a few inches taller, he probably would’ve been a lottery pick. Nonetheless, he remained on the Nuggets’ radar.
“I was very realistic,” Howard said. “I knew that teams necessarily weren’t going to bet on a 5foot- 11 kid coming out of college who was in college for four years. I don’t have the excitement that a 6- foot- 7 athletic prospect has. At the end of the day, I’m going to continue to control what I can.”
Part of the reason Howard came to the conclusion going undrafted might be his best path to an NBA roster was because he knew the Nuggets were interested. He also knew their long list of success stories. Howard’s agent had been proactive in identifying potential matches across the league.
Somehow, Denver’s front office, led by president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, managed to stand out among the teams Howard met with during the predraft process.
“Denver was one I remember
still to this day just because of the type of conversation I had with the front office personnel,” Howard said. “And walking back from that call, I can genuinely say they were just really good people, and for me, that was what I was looking for most in an organization to join. Just being around good people where I could grow and develop.”
Within hours of the draft’s conclusion, Howard and the Nuggets agreed on a two- way deal. The soft landing more than made up for the disappointment of not getting selected. If there was any organization that could assuage that pain, it’s Denver, whose history with two- way players almost defies logic. Despite not having a G League team, the Nuggets have found and developed gems in Monte Morris, former defensive stalwart Torrey Craig, combo guard PJ Dozier and, most recently, Bol Bol.
“You can just tell the development is a big part of what they do and what they’re about,” Howard said.
The plan for Howard, who isn’t subject to a 45- day NBA service limit due to relaxed rules this season, has yet to be determined, according to a league source. The Nuggets would be happy to have him spend time in the G League, but it’s unclear what the developmental league will even look like this season. Barring something extreme, it’s difficult to envision Howard leapfrogging any of the other guards on the depth chart at this point.
In the meantime, Howard is more than happy putting up shots next to established guards like Jamal Murray and Facundo Campazzo, and soaking up knowledge from Monte Morris.
“( Monte’s) done an awesome job of really taking me aside and telling me things, really pointing things out when he sees them,”
Howard said. “He’s definitely a guy I look up to, and a guy I hope to one day have a career like.”
Howard’s been a sponge ever since he arrived in Denver, impressing people with his work ethic and poise. In front of the camera, he’s as polished and savvy as a 10- year NBA veteran. A digital media major in college, Howard said he could envision a career in sports broadcasting once he’s done hooping. But that day, assuming he proves everyone wrong yet again, is years away.
“I know what I can do as a player,” he said. “I know my abilities. My belief in myself is very high.”
The same goes for Coach Michael Malone, who watched closely as Howard buzzed around the court in college, stretching the floor and changing the geometry of the Golden Eagles’ offense with his shooting. He noted his strength and his stamina, his ability to process the game and his interest in learning.
“To lead the country in scoring and to be the size of Markus Howard is truly remarkable,” Malone said.
Days into training camp, Malone saw Howard pressing. Eager to prove himself, Howard wasn’t sinking the shots that earned him so many accolades in school.
“I said Markus, ‘ The last thing I’m worried about you is making shots,’ ” Malone said. “‘ Just keep playing hard, making the right plays. The shots will fall.’ ”
When asked about that story, Howard conceded it was comforting to hear he didn’t need to blister the nets as he adjusted to life as a professional.
“This is all different territory,” he said. “To have a coach that truly believes in my abilities and is totally comfortable with me making mistakes and understanding that I’m taking this time to develop, it’s reassuring.”