Orlando Magic rookie Caleb Houstan has often drawn praise this season for his maturity and professionalism, and the 20-year-old is showing that now in the G League.
With playing time at a minimum and the Magic at a lull in the schedule, the team assigned Houstan to Lakeland for two road games against the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He produced a team-high 24 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block on Tuesday in a win.
He followed with another strong outing on Thursday.
Houstan produced 14 points, three rebounds and two assists in 25 minutes on 3-of-7 shooting from 3-point range in the 125-121 win. He hit a key 3-pointer to put the Magic up by three points with 49.5 seconds left to play to seal the win and two-game sweep.
The 32nd pick was also joined by two-way player Kevon Harris and Jonathan Isaac, who is returning from a knee injury. Harris scored a team-high 26 points and nine rebounds, and Isaac added 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and three blocks in his third game.
CALEB HOUSTAN CLUTCH!!! 3⃣🔥 pic.twitter.com/yDl3KFpEKv
— Lakeland Magic (@LakelandMagic) January 20, 2023
The team is hopeful that playing time for Houstan with Lakeland can help him continue to adjust to different coverages and learn where to be on the floor on both ends of the court. It is also a great opportunity for him to log consistent minutes and stay ready.
“He has done a fantastic job of staying professional and playing his minutes when needed,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said of Houstan on Wednesday. “The growth of what the coaches are asking of him here (is showing up) down there.”
With two games under his belt with Lakeland, the team will monitor him moving forward and make a decision on how long he will play in the G League. Orlando, which plays on Friday, had the last four days off, which influenced the decision to send Houstan to Lakeland.
Houstan is taking the assignment in stride and is willing to work through it in order to improve on the court. He has produced in some spot minutes throughout the season, and will be ready for when the next time his name is called.
Lakeland returns to action on Saturday in Maine.
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