ORLANDO, Fla. — Since joining the Orlando Magic, rookies Anthony Black and Jett Howard have impressed the organization with their work ethic and willingness to learn.
Among them is guard Jalen Suggs.
Black and Howard have spent time around the team throughout the summer working out in the gym. They started working with the coaching staff and some of their new teammates and have earned high marks for their early efforts.
Suggs has been in Orlando for much of the offseason. He even got in the gym with Black shortly after the NBA draft and has already started building chemistry with him and Howard.
He gave the two some praise at a team event on Friday.
They have been great. I think they’ve come in and (are) willing to learn and grow; they’ve taken strides already. I’m very excited to see what they’ll bring and continue to be there (for them). I’m still in that middle ground where I’m not old but I’ve seen a couple of training camps and I’ve seen the league and have been in some games so (I’m just) trying to teach them and share with them what I’ve experienced so far.
The two players had their first opportunity to hit the court with the Magic in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both appeared in three games before being shut down.
Black and Howard have the luxury of learning from players like Suggs, who is entering his third year with the Magic. Others, such as Cole Anthony, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, have been in their shoes recently, too, and can help them along the way as they begin their careers.
With the Magic beginning training camp on Oct. 3, Black and Howard will soon take the court when the games start to matter. They appear to be up for the challenge.
The Magic open the preseason on Oct. 10 at New Orleans.
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