"I just want to see them grow and get better as players," Howard said, after guiding his summer roster through the first of two practice sessions Thursday at AmericanAirlines Arena. "I feel that they have a truly high ceiling when it comes to their game, their IQ for the game. It's also a time for them to be an extension of the coach, develop that leadership. Yes, last year they were rookies, but now they're looked on as veterans because they've been here last year."