http://columbian.com/article/2009091.../1001/SPORTS01

Juwan Howard said it came down to one word: class.

Kevin Duckworth defined class, Howard said. And respect. And wisdom.

It was 1994. Howard was an NBA rookie with the Washington Bullets. He’d just danced in the bright lights as part of the famed ‘Fab Five’ at Michigan. But that was college. Nothing in college could compare to the glitz and glamor of the NBA. Howard had a lot to learn. And he needed a teacher.

Duckworth was also a Bullet in ‘94. But he was far from a rookie. Duckworth’s career was almost over, and he was an NBA veteran in decline — someone whose famous days with the Portland Trail Blazers were already beginning to fade into the past.

Duckworth had no reason to pay attention to Howard, let alone give him a piece of his time.

But Duckworth did. And he did more than just pay attention to Howard — he treated the rookie with class and respect, taking the former Wolverine under his wing.

Duckworth took Howard out for dinner when the two were on the road, killing time while they waited to play for a miserable Bullets team that finished 21-61.

Duckworth also offered advice. Words of wisdom. Duckworth told Howard about the ins and outs of the NBA: How to make it, how to play, how to survive.

Howard said Duckworth revealed his true character and true heart in the process.

"He didn’t have to do it," Howard said. "But he was nice enough to help me out."

Duckworth spent two more years in the NBA. Then he moved on to a new life. Howard lasted six more seasons with Washington, putting up Duckworth-like numbers while evolving into one of the top forwards in the league.

The two were reunited Thursday, on a warm, bright, sun-filled afternoon along the Willamette River near downtown Portland.

The former Bullets are now Blazers.

While Howard answered a flurry of questions, sounding like a wise veteran during a press conference, Duckworth’s legacy was honored by the Blazers and the City of Portland, as the Kevin J. Duckworth Memorial Dock received its official opening.

Duckworth, who died last year from heart failure at the age of 44, will always be a Blazer.

Howard just became one.

But the close relationship they shared during Howard’s rookie season should shine a light on the path the veteran forward hopes to lead his new team on.

Howard said Duckworth prepared him for the NBA. Now, the Blazers have turned to Howard as they prepare to take the next step in their ascension.

Because for everything Portland had going for it last season during its surprising, exciting playoff run, the Blazers did not have a veteran leader. Now, Howard is that leader.

What Duckworth was to Howard, Howard can now be for the Blazers.

A guide.

A leader.

A father figure.

"Every so often I’ll run into somebody and they’ll have a Duckworth story," Blazers president Larry Miller said. "There’s always a Kevin Duckworth story somewhere."

Howard can write a new story with the Blazers.

The book is open. The pages are clean. The wise words await.