WATCH: Orlando Magic's Jett Howard Impressing Ahead of Rookie Season
The Orlando Magic is set to be an exciting team to watch this season thanks to an abundance of young talent that has coach Jamahl Mosley's squad one to keep eyes on. You can't talk youth without mentioning the rookies, and Orlando has an intriguing pair of first-rounders that are looking to make an impact in Year 1.
Jett Howard, the Magic's second first-round pick this offseason at No. 11 overall, is one of these rookies. With the season quickly approaching, he's getting in some late-offseason work and looks impressive while doing so.
Of course, workout videos from NBA players should always be taken with a grain of sal given the lack of defense and stakes. But in Howard's case, there's no reason to think he can't come off the bench as an impactful sharpshooter for Orlando if his latest workout clip is any indication.
Take a look:
In his only season at Michigan last year, Howard averaged 14.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and two assists while playing 31.7 minutes per game and starting all 29 contests.
After a slow start at the Vegas Summer League in July, Howard acknowledged he's going through an understandable learning experience.
"I feel like I could have shot the ball way better and have been more efficient," Howard said via Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. "I made some of the right reads on my assists and stuff like that ... It's a learning experience."
Michigan Wolverines guard Jett Howard (13) in the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
But on July 13, Howard had his best game in Vegas, scoring a team-high 22 points in Orlando's 82-80 overtime loss to the New York Knicks. He credited his performance against the Knicks to having more opportunities with the ball.
"I got the ball a lot, and it gave me confidence," he said. "I came out early striking and just kept it rolling."
The Magic and Mosley will obviously need to see more from Howard at the beginning of the season in order to grant him a larger role in an offense that already has weapons. But based on early indications, Howard can be an elite player for Orlando, even if it takes a year or two for him to get his feet wet.
