by Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

Josh Howard has played for a contending team (2005-06 NBA Finalists Dallas Mavericks), and he has played for a rebuilding team (the 2009-10 and 2010-11 Washington Wizards).

Now, Howard, a 6-7 small forward, just wants to play.

“I have the experience, the willpower and the knowledge to help a team,” Howard told USA TODAY Sports. “I’m looking forward to going to a team that needs me and will let me play the game I used to play.”

Like several veteran free agents, such as guards Mo Evans, Derek Fisher and Leandro Barbosa and forward Kenyon Martin, Howard is without an NBA job as teams dig into the first week of training camp.

After a torn ACL in his left knee in February 2010 sidelined Howard for the rest of the season and for most of 2010-11, he joined the Utah Jazz last season. But a loose chip discovered in his left knee near the end of the season required surgery.

It has been a rough three seasons physically and mentally for Howard, but he said rehab in the spring and workouts in the summer have strengthened his knee and given him a positive outlook.

“I’m able to cut the way that I’m used to,” Howard said. “Over the years, that was a big part of my game, cutting and getting to the basket and being able to stop on a dime. I’ve been able to show that ability again.

“With an ACL tear, it’s tough coming back from that. For me to work my way back from that has given me the confidence that I needed. Basketball is like riding a bike. I’ve been playing it so long, I knew it would come back to me, but getting that mental confidence has been helpful.”

Howard has received interest from several teams (the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Bobcats, San Antonio Spurs) and said he has been given positive feedback. “It just boosted my confidence to hear it from other people in the league,” he said.

Still, Howard, who averaged 19.9 points and seven rebounds for Dallas in 2007-08, has no deal. He is patient; last season, he … [For more on Josh Howard waiting for NBA team to call, click here.]