Last Updated on April 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is the detailed information about Howard Komives, a former NBA player:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Howard K. “Butch” Komives
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on May 9, 1941 (passed away on March 22, 2009, at the age of 67)
  • Hometown: Toledo, Ohio, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
  • Weight: 185 pounds (84 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 2 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 11 (US)
  • Number: Wore jersey numbers 20, 21, and 15
  • Position: Point Guard
  • High School: Woodward High School in Toledo, Ohio
  • College: Bowling Green State University (1961–1964)
  • NBA Draft: Selected in the 2nd round (13th overall pick) in the 1964 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks
  • Teams Played For:
    • New York Knicks (1964–1968)
    • Detroit Pistons (1968–1972)
    • Buffalo Braves (1972–1973)
    • Kansas City-Omaha Kings (1973–1974)
  • Championship Rings: None in the NBA
  • Kids: Not publicly available
  • Siblings: Not publicly available

Howard Komives’ player archetype was that of a scoring lead guard, a left-handed backcourt creator who could both run offense and generate his own points, giving teams a blend of playmaking and shot volume from the perimeter. Defensively, his role was more about handling opposing guards and staying solid within the structure than serving as a disruptive stopper, while offensively he operated as a primary or secondary ball-handler who could initiate, pass, and score from the mid-range and foul line. At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Komives had ordinary size for an NBA guard but paired it with strong feel, proven production, and enough skill to carve out a decade-long career after leading the NCAA in scoring at Bowling Green. His overall play style reads as poised and functional rather than flashy: control the ball, create in the half court, keep the offense organized, and supply steady scoring from the guard spot. (Basketball Reference)

Sources:

Basketball-Reference — Howard Komives Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
NBA.com — Howard Komives | Guard | New York Knicks | NBA.com
Sports Reference CBB — Howie Komives College Stats
The Blade — Butch Komives, local basketball legend, dies