Magic 'True Professional' Caleb Houstan Making First Start of Season vs. Hawks

Caleb Houstan is making his first start of the season for the Orlando Magic.

ORLANDO, Fl. - Orlando Magic second-year pro Caleb Houstan is getting an opportunity to step up.

Houstan will make his first start of the season for the Magic against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.

"Caleb is a true professional," Franz Wagner said. "Although he's obviously a young still but always the first one in the gym. We joke with him that he should spend some more time outside of the facility. But yeah, I think they you can tell that when he's out there. He knows what to do. No super engaged, super locked in and happy for him."

Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) shoots the ball over Orlando Magic guard Caleb Houstan (2) during the second quarter at Amway Center / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

In 26 games, Houstan is averaging 4.1 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. He was the first pick of the second round in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Michigan. Houstan is one of three Michigan players on Orlando's roster, including Franz and Moe Wagner. 

Houstan's play and professionalism also drew praise from Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley. 

"Caleb just has a maturity about him," Mosley said. "He’s always in the right position defensively. Offensively, he learns and knows how to space the floor. He’s a professional. When you talk about a guy that works, he works at it every single day. Whether he’s gonna play one minute or 10 minutes, he’s gonna work the exact same way."

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The Magic and Hawks are set to tip off at 6 p.m. ET inside the Kia Center.