LAS VEGAS – Prior to arriving in Las Vegas, Magic rookies Anthony Black and Jett Howard both admitted that due to the whirlwind nature of the last few weeks it hadn’t completely set in yet that they were in the NBA.
Instead, the No. 6 and 11 overall picks in the 2023 NBA Draft believed that feeling would not fully materialize until they participated in their first NBA Summer League game.
That time is finally here. Black and Howard will make their Magic debuts on Saturday when Orlando faces the Detroit Pistons at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN to tip off NBA 2K24 Summer League 2023 action in Las Vegas.
“Yes, (it’ll feel like it), one hundred percent,” said Black after the team’s practice at the Mendenhall Center on Friday. “It’s already starting to feel like it. We’re out here practicing. We have a big game (on Saturday). First game. So, it’s definitely setting in a little bit.”
From the moment they were drafted, Black and Howard expressed to one another just how special it will be to take the floor together for their first action in the association.
“We’ve been talking about that since we figured out that we’d be playing together, really,” Black explained. “The big first event that we have (together) is the summer league game. So, we’re super excited for that.”
Both of the Magic rookies have impressed their teammates and coaches alike during the practice sessions with their willingness to learn and competitive nature.
"Their IQ and how quickly they’re picking everything up (has stood out),” said Magic Summer League Head Coach Dylan Murphy. “Obviously, AB coming from a great program at Arkansas and Jett with his dad (Juwan Howard) and at Michigan. They’ve been really well coached and they’re fast learners. I’m really excited for them to finally be able to show it at the NBA level."
The Magic’s coaches have been extremely hands on with Orlando’s two lottery selections. After Friday’s session, Magic Head Coach Jamahl Mosley spent time working one on one with Black on a variety of drills.
“I appreciate it a lot,” said Black of his one-on-one time with Mosley, Murphy, and other members of Orlando’s coaching staff. “There are a lot of dudes in here, so for them to be working with me is good. It feels like they’re invested in me. I’m really open to learning, so I’m glad (all the coaches) are helping me out with stuff.”
Along with the Magic’s rookies, Murphy will be making a debut of his own. He's spent the last five seasons with the organization rising through the ranks first as a basketball analyst, then as an assistant coach, and now as the newly named head coach of the Osceola Magic, the franchise’s G League affiliate. Murphy will have the opportunity to coach the squad throughout the team’s time in Las Vegas and get even more familiar with players who are not only auditioning for a spot in Orlando, but in Osceola as well.
“I think we’re all grateful,” Murphy explained. “All the summer league coaches. Mose and (Magic President of Basketball Operations) Jeff Weltman for giving us this opportunity. I’m definitely excited and I’m trying to be as prepared as possible. But the whole staff has done a really good job of getting everyone ready to play tomorrow.”