Magic Vets Setting Tone For Summer League
For as young as the Orlando Magic's roster is, it hasn't stopped players from stepping up.
Orlando continued practice on Monday for the Las Vegas Summer League. With rookies and two-way players in the building, they saw familiar faces getting in work at the practice facility.
"That's the environment that these guys have created," Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said. "They embrace each other, they're willing to compete with one another and it's a great environment for them to continue to grow and help each other get better."
Orlando guard Jalen Suggs and forward Caleb Houstan are among the players who saw playing time last season that were present and helping the younger players. Mosley also noted that Suggs has spent time with rookie guards Jett Howard and Anthony Black.
Houstan is on the Summer League roster alongside Kevon Harris. They'll play with Howard and Black.
Suggs' presence along with other veterans has had a positive impact on Howard. The former Michigan guard, who was taken No. 11 in the NBA Draft, averaged 14.2 points per game and shot 36.8 percent from beyond the three-point line.
Howard is already familiar with Houstan from their time at Michigan despite never being on the same team. Howard said Houstan and Harris have taken on roles similar to the coaches thus far.
"Those guys are super well-rounded," Howard said. "Real good players and I feel like they're teaching us like the coaches. When a player is telling you the same thing as a coach, it resonates with you even more."
Black, who played one season at Arkansas, was the only player in the SEC to finish top 25 in scoring (12.78), rebounding (5.06), assists (3.92), steals (2.06) and blocked shots (0.61).
"We've got a good group of people," Black said. "Everybody is super cordial. Everybody is open to coming in and getting work together. It seemed like a good atmosphere and a good group of guys."
The Magic's Las Vegas Summer League showcase begins on Saturday. Orlando plays the Detroit Pistons at 5:30 p.m.
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