ORLANDO, Fla. — Jamahl Mosley has described the G League as a vital piece of the development plan for Jett Howard, and the Orlando Magic coach can see it paying off for the rookie.
Howard has logged only 13 appearances with the Magic and has spent much of the season in the G League with Osceola. The team has opted to keep him there to log extended minutes with playing time at a premium with the parent club.
The 11th pick is averaging 19.8 points, four rebounds and 2.8 assists on 36.8% shooting from 3-point range in 23 games with Osceola. He ranks 21st in the G League in 3s (84) and has produced four 30-point games, including a season-high 34 points on Nov. 22.
Mosley explained how Howard has grown in the G League.
I think the game has slowed down for him. Coach Dylan (Murphy) has done a tremendous job of putting him in positions to be successful. (He is) handling the basketball more and not just being predicated on being a shooter.
Orlando recalled Howard on Thursday, with Osceola off until Sunday. With 14 regular-season games remaining, Howard will likely return to Osceola and finish out the season in the G League as Orlando prioritizes playing time for its veterans in its playoff push.
The opportunity to log real game experience with Osceola has been very valuable for Howard. He can work on different elements of his game to take the next step in his development and eventually be prepared to contribute nightly.
“We know he is able to make shots, but having the ball in his hands and becoming a decision-maker, I think that’s what we’ve asked all of these guys to do, not just have one specific role,” Mosley said. “When that ball is in your hands, you become the playmaker and the decision-maker, and as we increase basketball IQ, that’s what this group is turning out to do.”
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