Tag: Jett Howard

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley explains how Jett Howard has grown in G League

Magic rookie Jett Howard ranks 21st in the G League in 3s and has produced four 30-point games.

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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Magic rookie Jett Howard dropped third 30-point game in G League

Magic rookie Jett Howard dropped his third 30-point game in the G League on Monday to lead Osceola to a win over Greensboro.

Orlando Magic rookie Jett Howard dropped his third 30-point game in the G League on Monday to lead the Osceola Magic to a win over the Greensboro Swarm.

Howard produced a game-high 32 points, six rebounds and four assists in the 119-115 victory on the road. He finished 13-of-20 from the field, including 6-of-11 from 3-point range, in 35 minutes as Osceola improved to 4-3 in the regular season.

The 11th pick became the 23rd player in the G League with at least three 30-point games this season. He produced 20 points in the first half to help the Magic build a seven-point advantage at intermission.

Howard is averaging 21.5 points, four rebounds and 2.5 assists on 39.4% shooting from 3-point range in 11 games with Osceola. He registered a career-high 34 points with seven 3-pointers on Nov. 22 in a win over Rio Grande Valley.

He has been out of the rotation with Orlando, totaling 36 minutes across nine appearances. He hasn’t appeared in a game since Dec. 27 and has yet to play more than 10 minutes this season with several players ahead of him on the roster.

The organization opted to keep Howard in the G League to log extended playing time and keep him in a rhythm on the court. He has been able to work on his game, and the results are visible.

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Jamahl Mosley: Jett Howard to remain in G League amid growing number of injuries

Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said the team plans to keep Jett Howard in the G League amid a growing number of injuries on the roster.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said the team plans to keep rookie Jett Howard in the G League amid a growing number of injuries on the parent-club roster.

The Magic have been short-handed recently and were without six players due to injury or illness for Tuesday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. They had just 10 players available to play, although two others, including Howard, are on assignment in the G League.

Howard was assigned to the Osceola Magic on Dec. 28 and has remained with the team since. The team views the assignment as a good opportunity to log extended minutes despite the roster dealing with several injuries.

Mosley called it a good experience for Howard to be with Osceola.

The one thing that has been great for Jett and, obviously, we’ve relied on other bodies and different people, I think it is great for what Jett is doing right now: He is averaging 30-plus minutes. Regardless of our depth, it is going to be hard to match those minutes. He is getting 30 minutes down there and playing at a high level. The great part about the G is that it is so much faster, so you have to catch up to things faster.

Howard is averaging 20.3 points, four rebounds, 2.7 assists and one steal on 36.9% shooting from 3-point range in nine games with Osceola. He has registered two 30-point games, including a career-high 34 points and seven 3-pointers on Nov. 22.

The 11th pick has been out of the rotation with Orlando after totaling 36 minutes across nine appearances. He logged 12.6 minutes in December and has yet to play more than 10 minutes in a game this season with several players ahead of him in the rotation.

The opportunity to log real game experience with Osceola has been very valuable for Howard. He can log extended minutes and work on elements of his game to be prepared to contribute.

“I think it has been benefiting him,” Mosley said. “He is getting a lot more comfortable being on the floor handling the ball and shooting the ball, and defensively, having to stay in front of a lot of those quick guards. I think that experience down there is benefiting him so much.”

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Jett Howard using G League to expand his game: ‘I’m working extra with the coaches after hours’

Jett Howard has only logged 34 minutes with the Magic, but the 11th pick is gaining plenty of experience in the G League.

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.

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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Magic: Jamahl Mosley pleased with Jett Howard’s G League debut

Jett Howard debuted in the G League this week, and the Magic rookie had a productive outing with Osceola.

Jett Howard debuted in the G League this week, and the Orlando Magic rookie had a productive outing to help the Osceola Magic to a win over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

Howard produced 34 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals on Wednesday in a 143-127 victory on the road. He went 11-of-22 from the field, including 7-of-16 from 3-point range, in 34 minutes of action as a starter.

The 11th pick recorded 21 points in the first half with four 3-pointers. He did the majority of his work from the 3-point line, but also had a few layups after driving into the paint.

“I really was happy that he got himself going into a rhythm and looking for shots early, which is what we’ve asked him to do,” Mosley said on Friday prior to hosting the Boston Celtics. “His ability to sit down and guard and then just finding a rhythm as the game went on. I think that was a big portion of what we’re asking of him, because not having played many minutes early on you get yourself going a little bit. He did a really good job of settling in as the game went on.”

The Magic assigned Howard to their G League affiliate on Monday after he played sparingly to start the season. He has been out of the rotation so far and has logged just 23 minutes of action across five appearances with Orlando.

Howard will be with Osceola on its current four-game road trip, which started on Wednesday against the Vipers. He projects to have the chance to log consistent minutes as Osceola will play the Vipers again, along with the Austin Spurs and OKC Blue.

Howard averaged 9.3 points and 1.5 rebounds on 39.1% shooting from 3-point range in four games with the Magic in the preseason. He produced his best game on Oct. 20 with 21 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal.

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Magic coach Jamahl Mosley reveals goals for Jett Howard in G League

The Magic assigned Jett Howard to their G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic, on Monday after playing sparingly to start the season.

Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said Tuesday that the opportunity to play in the G League for rookie Jett Howard will be beneficial for his development.

The Magic assigned Howard to their G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic, on Monday after playing sparingly to start the season. He has been out of the rotation so far and has logged just 23 minutes of action across five appearances.

Howard will be with Osceola on its upcoming four-game road trip starting Wednesday against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. He projects to have the chance to log consistent minutes.

“I think it is going to be so great for him,” Mosley said. “He is a guy who continues to work and continues to strive. I think being able to get game-time minutes down there with (coach) Dylan (Murphy) and Osceola is so great for him to continue to build his confidence more and more with the group.”

Howard averaged 9.3 points and 1.5 rebounds on 39.1% shooting from 3-point range in four games with the Magic in the preseason. He produced his best game on Oct. 20 with 21 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal.

The 11th pick will become the latest first-round pick to play in the G League this year, joining the likes of Taylor Hendricks, Brandin Podziemski, Cam Whitmore, Noah Clowney and Dariq Whitehead. The team is eager to get him more minutes with Osceola.

“I think that is the big piece for him is just getting game reps and game experience with Osceola,” Mosley said. “I think that is going to be very huge.”

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Magic rookie Jett Howard among four players signed to Jordan Brand

Magic forward Jett Howard is among four first-round picks to sign a mulityear shoe and apparel endorsement contract with Jordan Brand.

Orlando Magic forward Jett Howard is among four first-round picks to sign a multiyear shoe and apparel endorsement contract with Jordan Brand, according to Nick DePaula of Boardroom.

Joining Howard are Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., Houston Rockets forward Cam Whitmore and Detroit Pistons guard Marcus Sasser. The four players previously played at either Jordan Brand-endorsed college or AAU programs.

They join a star-studded roster signed to Jordan Brand, including signature athletes Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, Boston Celtics guard Jayson Tatum and New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson.

Several other players from the incoming rookie class have also signed with companies. Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller have signed on with Nike, Scoot Henderson previously joined PUMA, and Gradey Dick and Jalen Hood-Schifino inked with Adidas.

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‘They look really good’: Anthony Black, Jett Howard impress to begin Magic training camp

Black and Howard impressed as the Magic opened up their first practice of training camp on Tuesday.

ORLANDO, Fla. — If Anthony Black and Jett Howard were nervous entering their first training camp with the Orlando Magic, they didn’t show it on the court.

The two lottery picks impressed as the Magic opened up training camp on Tuesday at the AdventHealth Training Center. They seemed to grasp the concepts and were up to speed with what the coaching staff was asking of them.

“I think they look really good,” Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said. “Their level of concentration was up. The guys were doing a great job of walking and helping them through. There wasn’t a lot of pause and stoppage for that reason. Our coaches do a great job of explaining things and laying out the game plan before the practice even starts.”

Said Jonathan Isaac: “They played great.”

Black and Howard had a bit of a crash course on various sets and coverages in a minicamp ahead of the NBA Summer League in July. That team used much of the same terminology that is being implemented ahead of the season.

Of course, there will be new things thrown at them but their summer practices have helped the learning curve in the early going when game results will really start to count.

“I think it helped me a lot,” Black said. “We were doing a lot of the same concepts (in summer league), especially defensively. It is now just playing with different dudes, different talents and different things. It helped me out for sure.”

The Magic throughout training camp will look to hammer home their principal concepts, such as setting screens, limiting turnovers and crashing the glass. The team will be also looking to see how players can defend, and do so without fouling.

The team returned much of the same roster as last year and is as healthy as it has been in recent memory. The group got through the first practice of training camp without any injuries and will have a full roster as the week progresses.

The veterans have helped players like Black and Howard with the transition to this point of the process, and will continue to guide them as needed this season.

“Every day it is a different dude just telling me about pace, finding my teammates, playing a little bit slower, defensive tips,” Black said. “It is all types of stuff. They’re definitely doing a good job of teaching me and Jett what it is we’re trying to do.”

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Magic reveal training camp expectations for Anthony Black, Jett Howard

Anthony Black and Jett Howard are ready to prove themselves when the Magic start training camp on Tuesday.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Jamahl Mosley has said Anthony Black and Jett Howard would have to earn their playing time this season with the Orlando Magic, and the two rookies are ready for the challenge.

Black and Howard have their first taste of the NBA on Tuesday when the Magic open training camp at the AdventHealth Training Center. The session will be the first opportunity for the two players to prove themselves to Mosley and the rest of the team.

Mosley on Monday explained how they can separate themselves.

They’ve done a great job of working over the summer and understanding what we’re asking. But, defensively, that is going to be the first thing. How do you sit down and guard? Can you come in and compete against these guys every single day? I think they’ve taken that challenge on, which I really admire.

They will have their work cut out for them with the Magic boasting a healthy roster. No player will have any restrictions on the court entering training camp, something that has eluded the team after dealing with so many injuries in recent years.

The expectations for the Magic are also higher this year after the group was in the play-in race up until the final week of last season. The team is undoubtedly high on Black and Howard after drafting them in the lottery this year, but it is a bit difficult to project their roles now.

“I think it is going to be harder for these guys to get on the floor, quite honestly,” Magic president Jeff Weltman said. “We’re not gifting anybody minutes and that is a good thing. That means that we’re getting better. I don’t know how great we are, but I think we have good depth. We have talent spread out positionally. I know they’re both going to work. I know they’re both going to be great teammates.”

Black, the sixth pick, and Howard, the 11th pick, are excited about the opportunity to compete for playing time. They relish the chance to prove themselves on the court and wouldn’t want to have it any other way entering the NBA.

“I think that’s how it should be for anybody no matter where you’re picked or anything like,” Black said. “You still gotta come in and prove yourself to your teammates and coaches and everybody in the organization. I’m definitely excited to do that.”

Said Howard: “I feel like on all levels I’ve had to do that. You want, at the end of the day, to be in that environment that is for that and a culture that is for that instead of something that is just kind of given to you.”

The two players have had the opportunity to get in the gym and work with their teammates. Much of the roster has been in Orlando over the past month or so and has spent plenty of time together on and off of the court.

They have impressed those around them in the early going and appear to already be earning the trust of their teammates. That should prove very valuable for them throughout the preseason.

“(They are) great kids,” Joe Ingles said. “They play the right way; they play hard. They’ve been in here working. I think, obviously, with every rookie, there is a transition period of how different the game is, but both bring different things and will help the group tremendously.”

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Jalen Suggs on Anthony Black, Jett Howard: ‘They’ve taken strides already’

Jalen Suggs has been impressed by the Magic’s two rookies in the early going.

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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