LAS VEGAS – If there’s anyone on the Orlando Magic’s roster that knows how to make a summer league session successful, it’s Kevon Harris.
Last year as a member of the Timberwolves’ summer league squad, the 6-foot-6, 220-pound guard averaged 15.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and one steal per game in five starts for Minnesota.
Those numbers along with his hardnosed play on both ends of the floor caught Orlando’s attention and the Magic subsequently signed Harris to a two-way contract prior to the start of their 2022-23 campaign.
Now, the Stephen F. Austin alum is attempting to impart his wisdom on rookies Anthony Black and Jett Howard along with other members of the Magic’s summer league team as they get set to tip off NBA 2K24 Summer League 2023 action in Las Vegas on Saturday against the Detroit Pistons at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
“I came out here with a purpose to prove I could be in the NBA and deserved to be on an NBA team,” said Harris of his mindset one year ago. “I’m taking the same approach this summer (by) coming out here to prove something. Show what the Magic can do and lead these young guys.”
Over the course of Orlando’s practice sessions, Harris has consistently been in the ear of both Black and Howard assisting them in their assimilation to the Magic’s offensive and defensive schemes.
“It’s so good. Kevon (as well as Caleb Houstan) have done a great job of grabbing those guys and pulling them to the side and talking to them,” said Magic Head Coach Jamahl Mosley. “Understanding what these guys are going to see, the way the game is played in summer league. Those guys haven’t played one session of summer league before. It’s great for them to learn from these guys and they’re all willing teachers.”
Just as he did with the Magic over the course of their 2022-23 season, Harris has also helped raise the energy level of the squad's summer practices. That was evident on Thursday afternoon as he took a charge during a defensive drill, igniting the members of his unit. Those traits and “bell plays” are an embodiment of the culture Mosley has attempted to foster in Orlando’s locker room.
“(Those plays) are huge,” said Harris. “A lot of people don’t want to (make) those plays. I take pride (in them), especially on the defensive end. They’re energy boosters to the team. I’m trying to set the example on both ends. Whatever it takes to do that, I’m going to do it.”
Among the many valuable lessons that Harris has shared with his teammates is the importance of being ready to play any role at any given time.
As a two-way player for the Magic last season, Harris appeared in 34 games for Orlando averaging 4.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in 13.4 minutes per contest serving primarily as an energizer and gritty on-ball defender.
His best performance of his rookie campaign came on Apr. 9 in the Magic’s regular season finale against the Miami Heat as Harris posted career highs in points (22) and rebounds (eight) in 27 minutes of action.
“That’s the plan. Come out here and play at a high level and continue where I left off at the end of the season,” he explained. “And like I said, leading. My mind is kind of locked in onto that. I’m just ready to come out here and compete at a high level.”
While that amount of court time was rare while with Orlando, it’s burn he saw on regular basis over the course of 20 games with the team’s G League affiliate, now known as the Osceola Magic.
Down in the G League, Harris started 18 contests and averaged 18.9 points, 5.5 boards, 3.0 dimes, and 1.4 steals per outing while serving as one of his team’s primary scoring options.
Getting used to playing different roles with different teammates night in and night out was something that Harris had to adjust to. But now, especially in a summer league setting, that experience is serving him well.
“Being able to play with different great guys on any level and coming out here and competing (is what it’s all about),” said Harris. “I’m just having fun with it.”