Magic Rookie Jett Howard Struggles in Summer League Debut: 'It's a Learning Experience'
Orlando Magic rookie Jett Howard struggled in the team's 89-78 Summer League debut loss to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, scoring eight points on 3-of-13 shooting from the field.
The No. 11 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft also recorded three rebounds, four assists, three very solid steals (tied for most on the team with fellow rookie Anthony Black), but also three turnovers in 29 minutes.
Howard looked like he was poised for a big night after hitting back-to-back 3-pointers in the first quarter, but he'd finish 2-of-7 from behind the arc. Howard's -15 was tied for the worst on the team.
The University of Michigan product said he was disappointed with his performance, but also focused on the positives and how his night will hopefully be beneficial for his future.
"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."
Despite the rough night, the lottery pick is still expected to be in Orlando's rotation for the regular season as he signed a four-year, $23.1 million contract on July 2. Several members of that rotation, including 2022 No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero, showed up to watch Howard and the Summer League roster play.
Howard was very appreciative of his teammates being there, despite the long distance to Las Vegas.
"It's a brotherhood at the end of the day and just them showing their support, they don't have to be here obviously," Howard said. "That alone shows true character and that means a lot to us young guys."
Howard is looking to rebound for the next Summer League game against the Indiana Pacers on Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV.
You can follow Hunter De Siver on Twitter @HunterDeSiver.
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