The timetable differences between when Josh Howard expects to return (in November) from the torn ACL he suffered last February and when the Wizards expect him back (late November or even December) have been documented. But Howard’s already building his case – he was out doing shooting drills after the Wizards’ first real training camp session on Tuesday afternoon.
“I know my body,” Howard said at media day. “I’ve had surgery before. It feels good, and I’m at my sixth month. But I haven’t done any contact stuff, so I can’t just throw myself out there and expect to do things I did in the past. It’s just a process.”
The Wizards were already fans of the Howard’s energy and feistiness when they brought him in from Dallas last winter, and Howard’s much more modest, incentive-laden contract after the Wizards didn’t pick up what would’ve been a very expensive option should inspire him to continue that kind of play once he’s back. Until then, Howard knows his role is to be a veteran presence – at age 30, he’s the team’s oldest player under contract (Sean Marks is 35) – and he’s looking forward to the battle with Al Thornton, Trevor Booker, Nick Young, and potentially Cartier Martin and Adam Morrison for playing time at small forward.
Howard’s message to all of them?
“Good luck,” he said. “That’s just a friendly competition, of course. No hard feelings. Of course, I know I’m going to be behind the eight ball, but it’s never stopped me from coming out and playing. I’ve been in this situation before, and I’m going to go out there and play.”
