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Rockets' Howard won't return this season Houston Rockets forward Juwan Howard announced Thursday that he will miss the remainder of the season due to a viral infection in his heart. Howard had been sidelined with a sprained right knee and was hoping to return for the playoffs. He said his knee is "responding well to treatment," but an unrelated infection -- viral myocarditis -- will keep him from rejoining the team.
"This condition caused some irregularities to my heart rhythm, which have subsequently subsided and returned to normal," Howard said. "However, this will prevent me from participating in conditioning workouts and games for the next few months. On the advice of my doctors, I will take a conservative approach for resuming my regular training regimen in order to ensure a full recovery so that I can be ready for the start of next season. My physicians have reassured me that there should be no long-term consequences."
The 32-year-old Howard had been suffering from flu-like symptoms since March 11, and he left a game against the Miami Heat on March 22.
Howard first developed 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.
"Obviously, this has been a very difficult and frustrating time for my family and me," Howard said. "We would very much appreciate your help in respecting our privacy regarding this matter as we move forward."
Originally selected by Washington with the fifth overall pick in the 1994 draft, Howard averaged 9.6 points and 5.7 rebounds in his first season 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 posted 17.2 points and 7.3 boards per game in stints with Washington, Dallas and Denver.
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![Houston Rockets forward Juwan Howard announced April 7, 2005 that he will miss the remainder of the season due to a viral infection in his heart. Howard had been sidelined with a sprained right knee and was hoping to return for the playoffs. Howard is shown in action October 14, 2004. [Reuters]](xin_100402080926762563912.jpg)
