Orlando, FL— After an impressive 2023-24 campaign where we saw the Orlando Magic finish with a record of 47-35, improve 13 games in the win column, and nearly win a first-round playoff series as one of the youngest teams in the NBA, they will be looking to expand upon that this upcoming season.
In theory, last season was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Magic. Still, it took a quick turn as they came out the gates firing winning 14 of their first 20 games, including tying a franchise record with a nine-game win streak with wins over the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets.
Going into year three of the Jamahl Mosley era the Magic selected Anthony Black (6th) and Jett Howard (11th) in the 2023 NBA Draft. This was the first time the Magic had two lottery picks since the 2021 NBA Draft where they selected Jalen Suggs (5th) and Franz Wagner (8th). The biggest difference between these draft classes is that both Black and Howard weren’t asked to come in and produce on day one.
With an injury to Markelle Fultz (knee inflammation) in early November that would sideline him for an extended period, that opened the door for Anthony Black as he took his opportunity and ran with it. Black appeared in 69 games (33 starts) in his rookie season averaging 16.9 minutes, 4.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and shot an impressive 39.4% from deep.
Anthony Black was an integral part of the success of the Orlando Magic early on as his impact goes far beyond what the box score says. Black was thrust into the starting five and immediately made his presence felt as a pesky defender on the perimeter, he was a very capable catch-and-shoot three-point shooter and played within the flow of the game.
Anthony Black continued to showcase his talents when given the opportunity throughout his rookie season, but more importantly during the team’s 2024 Summer League. Black appeared in just two games averaging 27.6 minutes, 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.
“We have a physical team, we have a strong team. We use our length, we use our athleticism,” Jamhal Mosley said when asked about how the team would be affected by the league allowing more physicality. “You look at KCP, you look at Jalen [Suggs], you look at Anthony Black coming in, who has been fantastic, [and] their ability to guard the ball with physicality but then also knowing when and where to do it.”
Black continues to grow more comfortable day in and day out, especially on the defensive side of the ball. For him to take that next step for this team he will have to continue to evolve as a facilitator and three-point shooter, which he is more than capable of taking that step in year two.
“Some more aggression, getting to the paint making plays, and then on the other side taking pride on defense,” Anthony Black on what he wants to showcase in his second year in the league. “Just getting back to playing off of two feet, like I did a lot really my whole life. Just finding my way to the paint, and using my size and physicality once I get there.”
On the flip side, the Magic’s other lottery pick Jett Howard had little to no opportunity to showcase his talents in his rookie season appearing in just 18 games all of which were garbage time minutes. Howard spent the majority of his time with the team’s G-League affiliate in the Osceola Magic as he was able to get valuable reps and prepare himself for the NBA game.
Howard took full advantage of his opportunity last season with the Osceola Magic appearing in 29 games averaging 32 minutes, 18.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and shot a respectable 37.7% from deep while attempting a high-volume of 9.5 threes a game.
“I think it’s great for what Jett is doing right now. He’s averaging 30-plus minutes and regardless of our depth, it’s gonna be hard to match those minutes,” Jamahl Mosley last season on Jett Howard not being called up from Osceola. “The great part about the G [League] is that it’s so much faster. I think it’s benefiting him so much, he’s getting a lot more comfortable being on the floor, handling or shooting the ball, and defensively having to stay in front of those quick guards. So I think that experience with him down there is benefiting him so much staying with Osceola.”
Similar to Anthony Black, Jett shined in the Las Vegas Summer League appearing in three games averaging 26.8 minutes, 19.0 points, 1.0 rebound, 3.3 assists, and shot a blistering 47.6% from three-point range. Jett appeared to look very confident on the floor, he moved with a lot more fluidity and overall was extremely confident in his skill set.
Last season the Magic were bottom five in the NBA last season (26th) in three-point shooting (34.6%) and if Jett can blossom into the shooter they envision him to be, expect that number to go up significantly higher. Although Howard may not have had as many reps in the NBA as he would’ve liked in his rookie season he is poised for a sophomore surge this upcoming season.
“Just continued growth. They’ve been in the gym all summer and that’s what you love to see,” Jamahl Mosley on both Jett Howard and Anthony Black going into year two. “Their ability to get in the gym, be with our coaches who have done a tremendous job with them to help them see what they’re capable of, is very big.”
Both second-year Guards Anthony Black and Jett Howard shined in the Magic’s preseason game versus the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday evening. Black played 19 minutes and registered 11 points and six rebounds off the bench. Jett was placed in the starting lineup and finished with a team-high 19 points, shooting 6 of 10 from the field, and 3 of 7 from deep, in 29 minutes of action.
The Magic have a ton of depth on the roster but both Black and Howard should have their opportunities this season to get consistent minutes with their skill set and talent. Now that the Magic have aspirations of making a deep postseason run this upcoming season, expect both Anthony Black and Jett Howard to continue playing at a high level as rising stars for this young Magic squad.
