ORLANDO, Fla. — Jett Howard has only logged 34 minutes with the Orlando Magic this season, but the 11th pick is gaining game-time experience in the G League.
Howard has been out of the rotation to start the season and typically only checks in when games are already decided. As a result, the team has assigned him to the Osceola Magic when possible to get consistent playing time and stay in rhythm on the court.
He made his fifth appearance in the G League on Tuesday as Osceola tipped off its two-game stint in the Winter Showcase at the Orange County Convention Center. He played alongside Mac McClung, Trevelin Queen and Brandon Williams among others.
Howard produced 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal in 32 minutes in a 121-113 win over the South Bay Lakers. He went 5-of-12 from 3-point range in 33 minutes of work, his second game with at least five 3s with Osceola.
He views the assignments as a great opportunity to improve his game.
“It is definitely a change, but I’m just working extra with the coaches after hours and getting work in,” Howard told Rookie Wire. “That kind of prepares you for this. There is not too much acclimation to do. It is just getting used to the guys; that is probably the biggest thing.”
Howard entered the NBA draft likely best known to most as a shooter. He was named to the All-Big Ten third team last season at Michigan after averaging 14.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and two assists on 36.8% shooting from 3-point range. He was third in the conference in 3s (78).
But it is his defense that will ultimately enable him to get onto the court.
He has made that a big focus since the start of the season, whether with Orlando or Osceola. He admitted it wasn’t something that was practiced a lot growing up but from navigating through screens to closing out on shooters, Howard is working on every facet of his defense.
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley can see improvement with him.
I think his 1-on-1 defense is highly improving because he knows as a shooter what guys do when they go under or over on a screen, so he recognizes that offensively. So now, being able to guard in real-time and say, ‘OK, here is what I would do.’ He is gaining that confidence … and is learning that on the fly, which is great to be able to play those minutes.
The Osceola Magic’s Big 4 combined for 80 POINTS last night 🚨😳
Brandon Williams – 26 PTS, 5 REB
Mac McClung – 23 PTS, 6 AST
Jett Howard – 18 PTS, 4 AST
Trevelin Queen – 18 PTS, 10 REB@OsceolaMagic @nbagleague #GLeagueWinterShowcase pic.twitter.com/z3niWHG27u— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 20, 2023
Howard is averaging 18.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and one steal on 34.6% shooting from 3-point range with Osceola. He has scored in double figures four times, including a season-high 34 points and seven 3-pointers in his debut on Nov. 22.
He is among several first-round picks to play in the G League this year, joining Jarace Walker, Taylor Hendricks, Gradey Dick, Brandin Podziemski and Cam Whitmore. He, like those players, has been out of the rotation with his NBA club and is using the G League to gain experience.
The opportunity to log real game experience with Osceola has been very valuable for Howard and the Magic. He can log extended minutes and work on elements of his game to be prepared to contribute.
“It is tough, but at the same time, there is a lot of good basketball being played because we’re fourth in the East right now,” Howard said. “Watching them play beautiful basketball helps me understand how to play better and shoot better. Watching Gary (Harris) and Joe (Ingles) and Caleb (Houstan) helps me out down here because you kind of pick up new things when you see new things.”
The Magic, led by Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony, are among the early surprises in the NBA after finishing 34-48 last season. Though they have lost five of seven, they are 16-10 on the year and have defeated teams like Boston, Denver and Milwaukee.
The organization brought back much of the roster from last season. The group has great chemistry on and off the court, which has been evident in their start this season. They are looking to take the next step in their rebuild, and believe they can do it.
“I can sense it was going to happen since training camp,” Howard said. “I definitely sensed that early and the excitement is growing. We feel it, and we know we’re here. The guys are confident, so that’s half of the battle. I think we’ll do really well this year, and I think we’ll shock a few people.”
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