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Josh Howard
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Joshua Jay Howard (born April 28, 1980) is an American basketball coach and former professional player who is the head coach of the UNT Dallas Trailblazers men's basketball team. He played college basketball for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.[1] He played 10 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), predominantly with the Dallas Mavericks.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Howard was born to Kevin Robinson and Nancy Henderson.[2] His father was absent throughout his childhood and Howard was primarily raised by his maternal grandmother, Helen Howard, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.[2][3] Howard was born with bowed legs and they had to be broken below the knee and reset twice before his second birthday.[2]

High school career

[edit]

Howard attended Glenn High School in Kernersville, North Carolina, where he was a First-Team All-State selection in his senior year and averaged six blocks per game while shooting 70%. He also averaged a double-double during his junior and senior years, during which time he also received the Frank Spencer Award (for the top player in Northwest North Carolina) twice.[4] During his senior year Howard was handcuffed outside of a BP gas station the night before his SAT examination. Howard had been loitering on the premises with some of his friends, and undercover cops, believing the teenagers had been selling drugs, detained them.[5]

In order to get into Wake Forest University Howard needed an SAT score of at least 950. He did not get a 950, saying his score was "somewhere in the 500s".[5] In lieu, he spent a year at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia, where he averaged a double-double, with 19.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Howard led Hargrave to a 27–3 record, shooting well on the floor with 56%. He also averaged 44% from behind the three-point line and 85% from the free throw line.[4] Howard participated in the ACC–SEC game between new signings from the two conferences. Howard scored 14 points in 15 minutes to help lift the ACC team to a 145–115 win over the SEC.

College career

[edit]

Howard chose to sign with Wake Forest in 1999 over many other colleges due to the proximity of the campus to his family and friends.[4] He majored in sociology and minored in international studies.[4] During his first year, Howard played in all thirty-six games, starting in all but two. He led the team with 44 steals and ranked fourth on the team with 9.1 points per game. His season high came in a game against Duke during an ACC tournament. Howard scored 19 points, going 7-for-10 from the field and 2-for-2 from behind the three-point line.[4]

During his sophomore season Howard was selected to second-team All-ACC. He missed a few games because of the flu, playing in 29 games and starting 28. He led the team in scoring that year with 13.6 points per game.[4] Howard earned third-team All-ACC and second team NABC All-District while trailing Darius Songaila in team scoring with 13.9 points per game during his junior season.[4]

Deciding to come back for his senior year at Wake Forest, Howard became the first member of his family to graduate from college.[6] He was the unanimous selection as the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) player of the year in 2003 (first since David Thompson in 1975[7]) and led Wake Forest to its first outright regular season league championship in 41 years.[7] He is the second ACC player (after Shane Battier) to amass 1000 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, 200 steals, 100 blocks, and 100 three-pointers.[8] Howard was named the national player of the year by FOX, College Insider and Basketball Digest. He was also a finalist for the John R. Wooden Award and the James Naismith Award in 2003.[7] In his senior season, Howard averaged 19.5 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, and 1.5 bpg,[7] and won multiple awards, including ACC Player of the Year, All ACC First Team, ACC All-Defensive Team, and AP First Team All-America.[7] Coming into the league, Howard was projected as a mid to late 1st round pick in the 2003 NBA Draft because of his apparent lack of upside.[9]

Professional career

[edit]

Dallas Mavericks (2003–2010)

[edit]
Howard preparing to shoot a free throw, 2008

Howard was selected in the 2003 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round (29th overall).[10] He played in 67 games (29 starts) during his rookie year, averaging 8.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game [11] earning him NBA All-Rookie 2nd team honors.[12]

In his second season, Howard continued coming off the bench and tasked to do "mop-up minutes"[13] until a nagging injury to Marquis Daniels gave Howard a spot at small forward in the starting lineup. Howard averaged 12.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.53 steals in 32 minutes of play for the season.[7]

In the 2005–06 season, Howard averaged a career-high in scoring (15.6 points) and three-point field goal percentage (.429), in addition to tallying 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. He was limited to 59 games due to injury.[7] In the 2006 NBA playoffs, Howard was vital to the Mavs' run to the Finals to the point where the team was 23–0 when Howard scored more than 20 points a game.[14] In game 5 of the 2006 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, it was asserted by referees that Howard called for a timeout during Dwyane Wade's free throw attempts, which only allowed Dallas to inbound the ball at full court instead of setting up for a play at half court. Howard asserted that in fact no timeout was called and that even referee Joey Crawford agreed with him.[15] After Dwyane Wade hit his second foul shot to put the Miami Heat up by one point, Dallas was unable to advance the ball to halfcourt for an attempt at a game-winning shot.[16]

Early in 2006, Team USA director Jerry Colangelo invited Howard to serve as one of Team USA's possible defensive specialists (the other two being Shane Battier of the Memphis Grizzlies and Bruce Bowen of the San Antonio Spurs) in the 2008 Summer Olympics.[17] Howard turned down the offer, instead going back to run his annual youth camp in his hometown of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.[5]

During the 2006–07 season, Howard missed 2 games (Seattle at Dallas,[18] and Dallas at Memphis[19]). His 18.9 points per game combined with 6.8 rebounds a game helped lead the Dallas Mavericks to a season-best 67–15 record; however, he was left out of All-Star weekend at first. After injuries to Yao Ming and Carlos Boozer, Howard was offered the extra spot.[5] Hall of Famer Magic Johnson commented on Howard's omission at first, saying "I've got a problem with it, I really do". Johnson also went on to say "Josh Howard should be an All-Star. Period."[5]

On December 8, 2007, Howard scored a career high 47 points against the Utah Jazz.

On April 25, 2008, hours before Game 3 of the Mavericks' first-round series with the New Orleans Hornets, Howard told Michael Irvin in an interview on ESPN Radio 103.3 FM that he smoked marijuana in the offseason, and that while he would not smoke during the season even if the NBA did not conduct random testing, he did not "think that's stopping me from doing my job." He called his marijuana use "my personal choice". He had previously discussed his marijuana use and its possible link to him slipping to the 29th pick in 2003 NBA draft with TrueHoop blogger Henry Abbot.[20]

Washington Wizards (2010–2011)

[edit]
Howard with the Wizards in 2010

On February 13, 2010, Howard was traded to the Washington Wizards along with Drew Gooden, James Singleton and Quinton Ross for Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, and DeShawn Stevenson.[21]

On March 16, 2010, Howard underwent surgery after tearing his ACL against the Chicago Bulls on February 22. Howard was expected to miss 6 to 8 months.[22]

Utah Jazz (2011–2012)

[edit]

On December 15, 2011, Howard agreed to a one-year contract worth around $3 million with the Utah Jazz.[23]

Minnesota Timberwolves (2012)

[edit]

On November 15, 2012, Howard signed a one-year contract for the veteran's minimum with the Minnesota Timberwolves.[24] He was waived on December 20, 2012, after suffering a torn ACL on December 14, 2012.[25][26] That game where Howard suffered the ACL tear ended up being the final game of his NBA career. Howard recorded 3 points and 2 rebounds in the Timberwolves' 113 – 102 victory over the New Orleans Hornets.

Austin Toros (2013–2014)

[edit]

On October 25, 2013, Howard signed with the San Antonio Spurs.[27] However, he was waived just a day later.[28] On October 31, Howard was acquired by the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League, the Spurs' D-League affiliate.[29] On February 27, 2014, he was waived by the Toros due to a season-ending injury.

In July 2014, Howard joined the New Orleans Pelicans for the 2014 NBA Summer League.[30]

Coaching career

[edit]

In July 2016, Howard was hired by Piedmont International University to be their new head coach.[31][32] He led the team to a 49–49 record in four seasons. In April 2020, he was hired as the head coach of the University of North Texas at Dallas, which began play as an NAIA member in the 2020–21 season.[33]

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

College

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1999–2000 Wake Forest 36 34 24.9 .460 .286 .583 4.7 1.8 1.2 .9 9.2
2000–01 Wake Forest 29 28 27.2 .490 .391 .685 5.9 1.8 2.0 1.1 13.6
2001–02 Wake Forest 31 26 27.4 .504 .329 .657 7.7 2.1 1.6 1.0 13.9
2002–03 Wake Forest 31 31 32.3 .477 .373 .833 8.3 1.9 2.1 1.5 19.5
Career 127 119 27.8 .483 .353 .708 6.6 1.9 1.7 1.1 13.9

NBA

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2003–04 Dallas 67 29 23.7 .430 .303 .703 5.5 1.4 1.0 .8 8.6
2004–05 Dallas 76 76 32.2 .475 .296 .733 6.4 1.4 1.5 .6 12.6
2005–06 Dallas 59 58 32.5 .471 .429 .734 6.3 1.9 1.2 .4 15.6
2006–07 Dallas 70 69 35.1 .459 .385 .827 6.8 1.8 1.2 .8 18.9
2007–08 Dallas 76 76 36.3 .455 .319 .813 7.0 2.2 .8 .4 19.9
2008–09 Dallas 52 51 32.0 .451 .345 .782 5.1 1.6 1.1 .6 18.0
2009–10 Dallas 31 9 26.7 .401 .267 .790 3.6 1.4 .7 .3 12.5
2009–10 Washington 4 3 22.8 .435 .273 .750 3.3 1.0 .8 .5 14.5
2010–11 Washington 18 10 22.7 .358 .241 .617 4.1 1.3 .7 .3 8.4
2011–12 Utah 43 18 23.0 .399 .243 .773 3.7 1.2 .7 .2 8.7
2012–13 Minnesota 11 4 18.8 .403 .313 .583 3.3 .4 .9 .3 6.7
Career 507 403 30.3 .448 .332 .770 5.7 1.6 1.0 .5 14.3
All-Star 1 0 20.0 .333 .000 .500 4.0 3.0 .0 .0 3.0

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2004 Dallas 5 0 17.2 .222 .200 .909 6.4 .8 1.2 1.2 5.4
2005 Dallas 13 13 32.9 .503 .250 .745 7.4 1.8 .8 .5 15.5
2006 Dallas 23 23 35.8 .453 .369 .808 7.4 1.4 1.0 .6 16.7
2007 Dallas 6 6 41.3 .515 .389 .704 9.8 2.8 2.2 .8 21.3
2008 Dallas 5 5 34.2 .292 .100 .800 7.0 1.4 .4 .4 12.6
2009 Dallas 10 10 29.5 .438 .250 .776 5.1 1.3 .9 .4 15.8
2012 Utah 4 3 15.8 .294 .500 .800 3.5 1.0 .5 .3 3.8
Career 66 60 32.0 .440 .311 .782 6.9 1.5 1.0 .6 14.8

Awards and achievements

[edit]
  • ACC Player of the Year: 2003[7]
  • All ACC First Team: 2003[7]
  • ACC All-Defensive Team: 2003[7]
  • AP First Team All-America: 2003[7]
  • NBA All-Rookie Second Team: 2004[34]
  • NBA All-Star: 2007[35]

Personal life

[edit]

Howard's son, Bryson, is a top basketball recruit in the class of 2026.[36]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Josh Howard

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Joshua Jay Howard (born April 28, 1980) is an American basketball coach and former professional player, best known for his nine-season career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a versatile small forward. Currently serving as the head coach of the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) Trailblazers men's basketball team, Howard has transitioned from a notable playing career—highlighted by an NBA All-Star selection in 2007 and a role in the Dallas Mavericks' 2006 NBA Finals appearance—to building collegiate programs, including at Piedmont International University in his home state of North Carolina and now at UNT Dallas in Texas. His professional journey also includes earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2004 and averaging 14.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game across 507 regular-season appearances with the Mavericks, Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Born and raised in , Howard attended Glenn High School before starring at from 1999 to 2003, where he majored in and earned consensus first-team All-American honors as a senior. That year, he was named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Player of the Year after leading the Demon Deacons to a 25-6 record and averaging 19.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Selected 29th overall in the first round of the by the , Howard quickly established himself as a two-way contributor, helping the team reach the in 2006 during a seven-season tenure that solidified his reputation as a reliable scorer and defender. After stints with the (2010–2011), (2011–2012), and Timberwolves (2012), he concluded his NBA playing days and briefly played in the NBA Development League with the Austin Toros from 2013 to 2014. Launching his coaching career in 2016 as at International University (now ) in Winston-Salem, Howard compiled a 49-49 record over four seasons, developing multiple all-conference players and the program's 2017–18 conference player of the year. In April 2020, he was hired to lead the newly established UNT Dallas men's program in the , where he enters his sixth season as of 2025, focusing on player development and community engagement in the Dallas-Fort Worth area; in the –25 season, his team achieved a historic 13 wins. Beyond coaching, Howard founded the Josh Howard Foundation, a dedicated to improving the in economically challenged communities through , youth programs, and .

Amateur career

High school career

Josh Howard attended Glenn High School in , where he developed his basketball skills under coach Napoleon Cloud, who emphasized defensive fundamentals and team discipline. As a standout player, Howard contributed to the Bobcats' regional competitiveness during his time there from approximately 1994 to 1998. In his senior year, Howard earned All-State honors as a senior after averaging a in points and rebounds during his final two years at Glenn, showcasing his versatility as a forward. He also won the Frank Spencer Award twice, recognizing him as the top prep player in Northwest . This performance highlighted his growth into a dominant high school athlete, particularly in rebounding and shot-blocking, which helped solidify his reputation locally. Following graduation in 1998, Howard enrolled at in , for a postgraduate year to bolster his academic standing and refine his abilities. There, he averaged 19.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, leading the Tigers to a 27–3 record and demonstrating improved leadership and discipline in the structured military environment. This experience paved the way for his recruitment to .

College career

Josh Howard enrolled at in 1999, majoring in while joining the Demon Deacons men's basketball team as a freshman forward. Coming from , he quickly adapted to collegiate play, contributing to the team's 2000 (NIT) championship victory. During his freshman season (1999–2000), Howard appeared in all 36 games, averaging 9.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in 24.9 minutes, helping establish a foundation for the program's resurgence. As a in 2000–01, Howard's role expanded, starting 28 of 29 games and boosting his production to 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game at a 49.0% , aiding Wake Forest's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1997 with a 19–13 record. His junior year (2001–02) saw further consistency as a starter in 31 games, averaging 13.9 points and a team-high 7.7 rebounds per game at 50.4% shooting, while earning All-ACC First Team honors and leading the Deacons to another NCAA bid (21–12 record). By his senior season (2002–03), Howard emerged as the team's cornerstone, starting all 31 games and averaging 19.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, leading the ACC in scoring (606 total points) and earning unanimous ACC Player of the Year, All-ACC First Team, and Consensus First-Team All-American accolades. Howard's development into a versatile forward was marked by his improved scoring efficiency and rebounding prowess, particularly on the offensive glass, where he ranked among ACC leaders career-wide. He played pivotal roles in key rivalry games, including a career-high 31 points and nine rebounds in a 90–80 win over No. 23 on December 4, 2002, earning ACC Player of the Week honors, and 27 points with clutch free throws in the final seconds to secure an 78–72 victory against NC State on March 8, 2003, clinching Wake Forest's first outright ACC regular-season title since 1962 (23–4 record). Under his leadership, the Deacons made their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in 2003, finishing as the No. 8 seed in the East Region before a second-round loss to . Howard's senior-year impact propelled the team to a 13–3 ACC record, highlighting his growth from a rotational player to an all-conference star. His performance earned him selection as the 29th overall pick in the by the .

Professional playing career

Dallas Mavericks (2003–2010)

Josh Howard was selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the 29th overall pick in the first round of the 2003 NBA Draft out of Wake Forest University. He signed a three-year rookie-scale contract worth approximately $2.56 million, with a team option for a fourth year that was later exercised. In his rookie season of 2003–04, Howard appeared in 67 games, primarily off the bench, averaging 8.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 43.0 percent from the field. His solid transition to the NBA earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, recognizing him among the league's top newcomers. During his sophomore year in 2004–05, Howard became a more regular contributor, playing in 76 games and boosting his averages to 12.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, helping the Mavericks reach the Western Conference Finals. Howard's performance elevated significantly in the 2005–06 season, where he started 55 of 59 games and averaged 15.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, providing versatile scoring and defense as a . The Mavericks achieved a franchise-record 67 wins that year, with Howard playing a key role in their run to the , where they lost to the in six games. In the , he appeared in all 23 games, averaging 16.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, including strong outings against the and . Reaching his peak in 2006–07, Howard started all 70 games he played, posting career highs of 18.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 45.7 percent from the field. His breakout season earned him his first and only NBA All-Star selection, where he contributed 3 points in 20 minutes off the bench for the Western Conference. Howard's efficiency and two-way play helped secure another 67-win regular season, though they were upset by the eighth-seeded in the first round of the playoffs. Howard maintained strong production in 2007–08, starting all 76 games and leading the team in scoring with 19.9 alongside 7.0 rebounds. However, the 2008–09 season was hampered by a left ankle , limiting him to 52 games with averages of 18.0 points and 5.1 rebounds. In 2009–10, his role diminished further due to minor and team dynamics, as he played just 31 games, averaging 12.5 points and 3.6 rebounds before being traded to the on February 13, 2010, in a seven-player deal.

Washington Wizards (2010–2011)

On February 13, 2010, the Washington Wizards acquired Josh Howard from the Dallas Mavericks in a multi-player trade that also brought Drew Gooden, James Singleton, and Quinton Ross to Washington in exchange for Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, and DeShawn Stevenson. This deal was part of the Wizards' efforts to reshape their roster amid a rebuilding phase following the mid-2009–10 season scandal involving Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton, which had disrupted team chemistry and led to a league-worst 26–56 record. Howard quickly integrated into the lineup, appearing in four games during the 2009–10 season—all starts—where he averaged 14.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 22.8 minutes per game, contributing to a 3–1 record in those contests. However, on February 22, 2010, in a home game against the , Howard suffered a torn (ACL) in his left knee just 1:23 into the second quarter after landing awkwardly on a drive to the basket. He underwent successful surgery on March 2, 2010, performed by Dr. James Andrews, but the injury ended his season and marked a significant setback in his career trajectory. Despite the injury, the re-signed Howard to a one-year contract worth $4 million on July 30, 2010, betting on his potential recovery. In the 2010–11 season, Howard's minutes and production were limited by ongoing rehabilitation from the ACL tear; he appeared in 18 games (starting 10), averaging 8.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 22.7 minutes per game while shooting 37.5% from the field. The finished 20–62, continuing their rebuild with a young core including , but Howard's role diminished as the team prioritized development over veteran contributions. Following the season, Howard became an unrestricted .

Utah Jazz (2011–2012)

After recovering from a torn ACL sustained with the Washington Wizards in February 2010, Josh Howard signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Utah Jazz on December 15, 2011, as a free agent following the expiration of his previous deal. The signing came amid the Jazz's need for veteran forward depth during the lockout-shortened season, with Howard joining a roster featuring Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap in the frontcourt. In the 2011–12 season, Howard appeared in 43 games for the , starting 18 and primarily serving as a bench contributor before earning more starts later in the year. He averaged 3.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 23.0 minutes per game, shooting 39.9% from the field, but struggled with reduced mobility stemming from his prior ACL injury, which limited his explosive athleticism compared to his All-Star peak. Howard provided valuable depth, particularly when injuries sidelined key players like Jefferson (who missed time with a ) and (out with a calf strain), stepping into the to help stabilize the position. Howard's season was cut short in March 2012 after an MRI revealed a cartilage chip in his left , leading to season-ending surgery performed by Jazz orthopedist Dr. Lyle Mason. The Jazz finished the campaign with a 25–57 record, missing the and ending a streak of postseason appearances. Following the season, Howard became an unrestricted ; he later joined the for training camp in the 2012–13 preseason.

Minnesota Timberwolves (2012)

On November 15, 2012, Josh Howard signed a one-year veteran's minimum contract with the , joining the team amid a rash of early-season injuries to key players. The Timberwolves, led by head coach in his second year, featured a youthful core including and forward Derrick Williams, but struggled with depth as stars like and dealt with ailments. Howard, who had served as a reserve forward for the the prior season, was expected to provide veteran wing depth and leadership to the rebuilding squad. Howard appeared in 11 games for during the 2012–13 season, starting four, and averaged 6.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in 18.8 minutes per game off the bench. His contributions were modest, reflecting ongoing limitations from a left ACL tear he suffered in 2010 while with the , which had sidelined him for most of that year and affected his mobility thereafter. Despite the constraints, Howard offered defensive versatility and occasional scoring bursts, helping stabilize the rotation during a period of roster instability under Adelman. Howard's tenure ended abruptly on December 14, 2012, when he tore the ACL in his right knee during the second quarter of a win over the New Orleans Hornets. An MRI confirmed the complete tear, marking his second ACL injury in three years and ruling him out for the remainder of the season. The Timberwolves waived him on December 20, 2012, to clear a roster spot, effectively concluding his brief and injury-marred NBA comeback attempt. Following the release, Howard transitioned to the NBA D-League with the Austin Toros for rehabilitation.

Austin Toros (2013–2014)

In October 2013, following his recovery from a torn right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sustained in December 2012 with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Josh Howard signed with the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA. He was waived by the Spurs shortly after on October 26, 2013, and subsequently acquired by their NBA Development League affiliate, the Austin Toros, on October 31 as an allocated player. This move allowed Howard to continue rehabilitating and regaining his playing form in a lower-pressure developmental environment after his second career ACL tear—the first having occurred in his left knee in 2010 with the Washington Wizards. During the 2013–14 season, Howard played in 24 games for the Toros, starting 21 of them, and averaged 29.5 minutes per game. He contributed 14.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, while shooting 43.9% from the field, 27.7% from three-point range, and 84.7% from the free-throw line. These modest but steady performances highlighted his efforts to rebuild confidence and physical conditioning post-injury, though persistent health challenges limited his output compared to his NBA peaks. Howard's stint with the Toros ended prematurely when the team waived him on February 26, 2014, due to a sports hernia that required surgery. This injury effectively concluded his professional playing career, paving the way for his transition to coaching roles beginning in 2016.

Coaching career

Piedmont International University (2016–2020)

In 2016, Josh Howard transitioned from his professional playing career to coaching when he was hired as the head men's basketball coach at Piedmont International University, a small private Christian institution in his hometown of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The appointment marked the launch of the university's men's basketball program within the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), where Howard aimed to build a competitive team from its nascent stages. Drawing on his extensive experience as an NBA All-Star and ACC Player of the Year, he focused on establishing foundational elements such as player development and community engagement to elevate the Bruins' profile. Over four seasons from 2016 to 2020, Howard compiled a 49–49 overall record, guiding the team to consistent competitiveness in the NCCAA South Region Conference. His first year resulted in a 14–10 mark. In the 2018–19 season, the team advanced to the NCCAA national tournament, showcasing improved depth and execution. Howard's recruiting efforts emphasized local talent from the Winston-Salem area, assembling rosters that included promising regional players to foster program growth and community ties. He implemented offensive systems inspired by his professional background, prioritizing versatile scoring and defensive fundamentals to suit the startup program's evolving needs. Howard's tenure also produced notable individual successes, including coaching the 2017–18 NCCAA South Region Conference Player of the Year and earning all-conference honors for five players across his time at . These accomplishments helped stabilize and professionalize the program at a resource-limited Division II institution. In April 2020, Howard departed for the head coaching position at the , leaving behind a foundation that had transformed the Bruins from an unestablished squad into a recognized competitor within the NCCAA.

University of North Texas at Dallas (2020–present)

In April 2020, Josh Howard was named the inaugural of the at Dallas men's program, launching the NAIA squad in the (SAC). As the program's sole since its inception, Howard has become the longest-tenured staff member, guiding the Trailblazers through their formative years. Howard quickly established a foundation for competitiveness, starting with a 7-4 overall record in the abbreviated 2020-21 season amid the challenges of a new program and the COVID-19 pandemic. The team followed with a 12-18 overall mark (8-14 SAC) in 2021-22, improved to a program-high 16-9 (14-8 SAC) in 2022-23—earning their first SAC Tournament berth—and posted 7-18 (6-16 SAC) in 2023-24. In 2024-25, Howard led UNT Dallas to 13-15 overall (10-14 SAC), including a historic 13 wins and their second consecutive SAC Tournament appearance, highlighting steady roster development and conference contention. His recruiting efforts have focused on local Dallas-area talent, building a core that has elevated the program's visibility and performance within the SAC. In spring 2025, Howard was promoted to Director of Athletics at UNT , expanding his role to oversee all athletic operations while retaining his head coaching responsibilities for men's . This advancement underscores his contributions to the program's growth and the university's athletic infrastructure.

Personal life

Family

Josh Howard was born on April 28, 1980, in . He was raised primarily by his mother, Nancy Henderson, and his grandmother, Helen Howard, following the absence of his father, Kevin Robinson, from his childhood. At three months old, Howard faced significant health challenges when doctors performed surgery to correct his bowed legs, breaking the bones and encasing them in plaster due to concerns that he might never walk normally without intervention. This early adversity contributed to his development of resilience, shaping his determination in overcoming obstacles throughout life. Howard has children, including his son Bryson Howard, born circa 2008, who has emerged as a top high school recruit in the class of 2026. In October 2025, Bryson committed to play for , marking a notable in . Howard maintains deep ties to the Winston-Salem community, where his upbringing instilled values that influenced his pursuit of and later career decisions in coaching.

Philanthropy

Josh Howard founded the Josh Howard Foundation in 2006 to address challenges he observed in his , upbringing, focusing on youth , , and community support in and . The foundation aims to improve the in economically challenged communities through programs that promote academic success, athletic development, and social outreach. Key initiatives include scholarships for underprivileged student-athletes, basketball clinics, and mentorship programs designed to foster discipline and personal growth. The "No Excuses" mentoring program, for instance, partners with schools to provide guidance on goal-setting and accountability, drawing from Howard's experiences overcoming career setbacks like injuries. Additional efforts encompass after-school programs in Winston-Salem offering homework assistance and fun activities, as well as at-risk youth and summer meals initiatives in Dallas to support nutrition and education. Health and fitness components emphasize injury prevention and wellness, reflecting Howard's own professional challenges. The foundation hosts annual youth basketball camps, such as the three-day event at Winston-Salem's Anderson Recreation Center, which provides participants with skill-building opportunities in a supportive environment. Partnerships with local schools, YMCAs, and recreation centers in Dallas-Fort Worth and Winston-Salem extend these efforts, including and drives for families in need. These activities have received support through grants, such as a $5,000 from the Winston-Salem Foundation's Black Philanthropy Initiative in 2011, enabling broader community impact. As of 2025, Howard remains actively involved with the foundation while serving as head men's coach at the at , integrating principles into his athletic department role to ensure student-athlete graduation and community uplift. "I started the Josh Howard Foundation because my vision was to help my community and others like mine," Howard has stated, underscoring its ongoing commitment to youth empowerment.

Career statistics

College statistics

Josh Howard played four seasons of at from 1999 to 2003, appearing in 127 games and accumulating 1,761 points, 836 rebounds, 239 assists, 215 steals, and 143 blocks over his career. His statistical progression showed steady improvement, particularly in scoring and rebounding, with per-game averages as follows:
SeasonClassGMPPTSREBASTSTLBLKFG%
1999-00FR3624.99.24.71.81.20.9.460
2000-01SO2927.213.65.91.82.01.1.490
2001-02JR3127.413.97.72.11.61.0.504
2002-03SR3132.319.58.31.92.11.5.477
Career12727.813.96.61.91.71.1.485
In his senior season, Howard's increased usage rate of 28.0% and effective field goal percentage of .539 highlighted his efficiency as a primary scorer, tying into his ACC Player of the Year award.

NBA regular season statistics

Josh Howard appeared in 507 NBA regular season games over 10 seasons from to 2013, split across the (350 games), (18 games), (43 games), and (11 games), accumulating career totals of 7,278 points, 2,894 rebounds, and 817 assists in 15,198 minutes played. His per-game averages stood at 14.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, with overall shooting efficiency of 44.6% from the field and 77.1% from the free-throw line, alongside a (PER) of 16.2 and (TS%) of .518. Howard's scoring peaked during his tenure with the Mavericks, particularly in the 2006–07 season when he averaged 18.9 points per game, followed by a career-high 19.9 points per game in 2007–08; these performances contributed to his selection as an NBA All-Star in 2007. Later seasons were hampered by injuries, limiting him to 35 games in 2009–10 (split between Dallas and Washington), 18 games in 2010–11 with Washington, and just 11 games in 2012–13 with Minnesota. The following table summarizes his regular season per-game statistics by season:
SeasonTeamGMPFG%FT%TRBASTPTSPERTS%
2003–046723.7.430.7035.51.48.615.7.485
2004–057632.2.475.7336.41.412.615.8.535
2005–065932.5.471.7346.31.915.619.3.536
2006–077035.1.459.8276.81.818.920.0.548
2007–087636.3.455.8137.02.219.918.3.534
2008–095232.0.451.7825.11.618.017.0.532
2009–102TM3526.2.405.7843.61.412.712.7.496
2010–11WAS1822.7.358.6174.11.38.49.2.416
2011–12UTA4323.0.399.7733.71.28.710.5.461
2012–13MIN1118.8.403.5833.30.46.79.5.450
Career50730.0.446.7715.71.614.316.2.518
Note: 2TM indicates time split between two teams (Dallas and Washington) in 2009–10. Advanced metrics (PER and TS%) are sourced from the same dataset. Three-point shooting percentages ranged from .241 to .429 across seasons, with a career .333 (0.7 makes on 2.1 attempts per game). All data reflects regular season play only.

NBA playoff statistics

Josh Howard played in 66 NBA playoff games across seven seasons, primarily with the Dallas Mavericks, where he averaged 14.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 44.0% from the field, 31.1% from three-point range, and 78.2% from the free-throw line. His postseason contributions were most notable during the Mavericks' extended runs in the mid-2000s, including their 2006 NBA Finals appearance, though his efficiency often dipped compared to the regular season due to heightened defensive assignments. In the 2003–04 playoffs, Howard made his debut in the first round against the , averaging 5.4 points and 6.4 rebounds across 5 games in a 4–1 series loss. The following year, during the 2004–05 postseason, he elevated his production to 15.5 points and 7.4 rebounds over 13 games, helping Dallas sweep the in the first round before falling to the in the conference semifinals. Howard's standout playoff campaign came in 2005–06, when the Mavericks advanced to the for the first time in franchise history, defeating the (4–0), (4–3), and (4–3) before losing to the (2–4). He appeared in 23 games that postseason, averaging 16.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists with a 45.3% . In the Finals specifically, Howard averaged 14.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists over 6 games against the Heat. The 2006–07 playoffs were shorter, with Howard posting 21.3 points and 9.8 rebounds in 6 first-round games before Dallas was upset by the . Injuries curtailed his later postseason opportunities; in 2007–08, he averaged 12.6 points and 7.0 rebounds in 5 first-round games versus the New Orleans Hornets, and in 2008–09, 15.8 points and 5.1 rebounds across 10 games, including a second-round exit to the . His final playoff stint came in 2011–12 with the , where he averaged 3.8 points and 3.5 rebounds in 4 first-round games against the .
SeasonTeamGames PlayedPPGRPGAPGFG%3P%FT%
2003–0455.46.40.8.222.200.909
2004–051315.57.41.8.503.250.745
2005–062316.77.41.4.453.369.808
2006–07621.39.82.8.515.389.704
2007–08512.67.01.4.292.100.800
2008–091015.85.11.3.438.250.776
2011–12UTA43.83.51.0.294.500.800
Career-6614.86.91.5.440.311.782

Awards and honors

College awards

During his senior season at Wake Forest in 2002–03, Josh Howard was named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Player of the Year, marking the first time a had earned the honor since Rod Griffin in 1976–77. He received unanimous support, capturing all 92 votes from the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, in recognition of his leadership in guiding Wake Forest to its first outright ACC regular-season championship since 1962. Howard also garnered First-Team All-ACC honors that year, a unanimous selection by the , highlighting his scoring prowess and defensive contributions. He was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American. In prior seasons, he had steadily risen in acclaim, earning Second-Team All-ACC recognition as a sophomore in 2000–01 after leading the team in scoring, and Third-Team All-ACC honors as a junior in 2001–02. Additionally, his defensive impact earned him a spot on the 2002–03 ACC All-Defensive Team. On the team front, Howard was selected to the All-ACC Tournament Second Team in following Wake Forest's strong showing, which included a semifinal appearance. His efforts were instrumental in securing multiple NCAA Tournament bids during his tenure, including a No. 2 seed in after the program's best regular-season finish in over four decades. Howard's senior-year averages of 19.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game not only supported these accolades but also elevated his profile ahead of the .

NBA awards

During his nine-season NBA career, Josh Howard earned recognition for his versatile play as a , particularly with the , where he developed into a key contributor on both ends of the court. His most prominent honor was selection to the as an injury replacement for the Western Conference roster, a nod to his breakout performance that season, during which he averaged 18.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while helping to a league-best 67 wins. Howard was also named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team following the 2003–04 season, his debut year after being drafted 29th overall by the Mavericks, where he appeared in 67 games and averaged 8.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game off the bench. In the 2006–07 season, Howard received NBA Western Conference Player of the Week honors on two consecutive occasions: for games played December 25–31, 2006, and December 31, 2006–January 6, 2007, during which he combined for averages of 21.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 51.7% from the field in helping the Mavericks go 5–0 over those weeks. Additionally, Howard participated in the NBA twice early in his career, representing in 2004 and the sophomores in 2005, showcasing his emerging talent among the league's young players.

References

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