Ever wondered what it takes to become the first NBA player to sign a $100 million contract? Meet Juwan Howard – the Chicago-born basketball legend who transformed from a troubled youth into one of basketball’s most respected figures. From his iconic days with Michigan’s Fab Five to his current role with the Brooklyn Nets, Howard’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Quick Facts About Juwan Howard
| Full Name | Juwan Antonio Howard |
| Date of Birth | 7th February 1973 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Height | 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 113 kg |
| Current Role | Assistant Coach, Brooklyn Nets |
| Net Worth | $80 million (2024) |
| Wife | Jenine Wardally (married 2002) |
| Children | Six (Juwan Jr., Jace, Jett, Joshua, Sky, Starr) |
Biography
Juwan Howard’s story begins in the heart of Chicago, where his life took an unexpected turn from day one. Born to 17-year-old Helena and Leroy Watson, young Juwan faced challenges that would have broken many spirits. His teenage mum, feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of raising a child, made a difficult decision that would change everything.
Enter Jannie Mae Howard – Juwan’s remarkable grandmother, who became his guardian angel. This incredible woman, whose own parents were sharecroppers from Mississippi, stepped up to raise Juwan alongside two cousins in Chicago’s challenging South Side projects. She didn’t just give him a home; she gave him hope, discipline, and most importantly, unconditional love.
“She became my pride and joy,” Howard often reflects about his grandmother, who kept him away from gangs and trouble during his formative years.
Despite attending Chicago Vocational Career Academy – a school with an unheated gymnasium and no proper changing rooms where players had to dress in a history classroom – Juwan’s talent couldn’t be contained. His determination and skill earned him:
- 1991 All-American honours from Parade magazine
- McDonald’s All-American recognition
- National Honor Society membership
- Homecoming King at his school
College scouts took notice, and after careful consideration (with Grandmother Jannie Mae doing most of the questioning during recruitment visits), Juwan chose the University of Michigan.
When Juwan Howard joined the Michigan Wolverines in 1991, he became part of something magical – the iconic Fab Five. Alongside Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson, this group of freshmen revolutionised college basketball.
- Reached NCAA Championship finals in both 1992 and 1993
- Became cultural icons who changed basketball fashion forever
- Created a legacy that still influences players today
Remarkably, when the NCAA scandal surrounding the Fab Five later emerged, Howard remained untainted. His individual accomplishments, including his 1993-94 NCAA All-American status, continue to be recognised today.
Professional Basketball Career
In 1994, Howard was selected as the 5th overall pick by the Washington Bullets, beginning a legendary 19-year NBA journey. But it was in 1996 that he made history, becoming the first NBA player ever to sign a $100 million contract – a seven-year, $105.4 million deal that changed professional sports forever.
Career Highlights:
- 19 seasons in the NBA with eight different teams
- NBA All-Star selection (1996)
- All-NBA Team recognition
- Two NBA Championships with the Miami Heat (2012, 2013)
- Career earnings exceeding $149 million in salary alone
Teams played:
- Washington Bullets/Wizards (1994-2001)
- Dallas Mavericks (2001)
- Denver Nuggets (2001-2002)
- Orlando Magic (2003-2007): Five-year, $29.5 million contract
- Houston Rockets (2004-2007)
- Charlotte Bobcats (2008-2009
- Portland Trail Blazers (2009-2010)
- Miami Heat (2010-2013)
Coaching Career
Howard seamlessly transitioned from player to coach, spending six seasons as an assistant with the Miami Heat. During this period, he worked with superstars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Bam Adebayo, helping the team reach the 2014 NBA Finals.
Returning to his alma mater was a dream come true for Howard. His achievements as head coach were impressive:
- Big Ten regular season title (first in seven years)
- Associated Press College Basketball Coach of the Year
- Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year
- Sporting News Coach of the Year
- Henry Iba Award winner
- Made NCAA history as the first person to enter the tournament as a No. 1 seed both as a player and coach
Despite some controversies, including a 2022 altercation that resulted in suspension and a $40,000 fine, Howard’s Michigan tenure included notable successes before his departure in March 2024.
In April 2024, Howard joined the Brooklyn Nets as an assistant coach under Jordi Fernández, marking his return to the NBA coaching ranks.
Personal Life
Howard’s personal life centres around his wife, Jenine Wardally, whom he married in 2002. Jenine, born in Brooklyn and raised in Miami, brings her own accomplishments to their partnership – she’s a singer, author, philanthropist, and businesswoman with an estimated net worth of $1 million. She’s also the founder of The Juice Foundation, promoting healthy lifestyles.
Howard is the proud father of six children, several of whom are following in his basketball footsteps:
Sons:
- Juwan Howard Jr. (born 1992): Former college player, now playing professionally
- Jace Howard: Played under his father at Michigan, currently with Fordham Rams
- Jett Howard: Drafted 11th overall by the Orlando Magic in 2023
- Joshua Howard: Pursuing basketball
Daughters:
- Sky Howard: Athletic pursuits
- Starr Howard: Lacrosse player for Clemson Tigers
Howard Foundation
Howard’s commitment to community service runs deep. Through the Juwan Howard Foundation, he:
- Provides free basketball camps for youth
- Partners with Chicago Public Schools for reading challenges
- Supports underprivileged youth in Washington, DC, and Chicago
- Won the 2001 Sporting News “Good Guys in Sports” recognition
- Received the 2010 NBA Cares Community Assist Award
Net Worth
Juwan Howard boasts an estimated net worth of $80 million, thanks to his smart financial decisions and successful career.
Income Sources:
- NBA career earnings: Over $149 million in salaries
- Coaching contracts: Multi-million dollar deals
- Endorsements: Historical partnerships with Nike, McDonald’s, and Coca-Cola
- Real estate investments: Strategic property portfolio
Real Estate Portfolio
Chicago Properties:
- 1996: River North townhouse purchased for $490,000
- 2009: Trump International Hotel & Tower unit for $2.55 million
Florida Investment:
- 2005: Purchased 3.5-acre Gables Estates property for $11.775 million
- Built a custom mansion with a yacht dock for his boat named “Fab 5 which he sold strategically in 2012 for $10 million after the Heat’s championship
Film and Television Appearances
- “Hoop Dreams” (1994): Documentary appearance
- “The West Wing” (1999): Played Rodney Grant, former Duke player
- “The Last Dance” (2020): Featured in Michael Jordan documentary
- “The Fab Five” (2011): Documentary about his college team