Juwan Howard reportedly out for season

According to The Houston Chronicle, Howard will not be able to exert in any physical activity for four to six months.

Howard had been out of the lineup with a sprained right knee and was hopeful to return to the club for the playoffs. However, he was told that although his heart condition has been treated, he will not be given medical clearance to resume playing.

The 32-year-old Michigan product had been suffering from flu-like symptoms since March 11 and left his team’s March 22 contest against the Miami Heat. Howard then began to develop symptoms of viral myocarditis, an inflammation of the muscular walls of the heart, on March 25. He was taken to the hospital where he was treated for heart palpitations, mild chest pains and fever.

Howard was released with a heart monitor shortly after, but is currently not experiencing any of the symptoms and no longer needs the heart monitor.

The paper also reported that the condition, which requires no medication, is not expected to hinder Howard in the future.

Howard, originally selected by Washington with the fifth overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft, averaged 9.6 points and 5.7 rebounds in his first campaign with the Rockets.

He joined Houston last offseason after being involved in the blockbuster trade that also saw All-Star guard Tracy McGrady head from Orlando to the Rockets.

In his 11-year NBA career, Howard has also had stints with Washington, Dallas and Denver and has posted 17.2 points and 7.3 boards per outing.