Why Magic Rookie Jett Howard Will 'Find Playing Time' This Season

Despite the Orlando Magic's struggles as a team in the Las Vegas Summer League, rookie Jett Howard was able to silence skeptics of his game.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas…at least, that’s what Orlando Magic fans are hoping regarding the team’s winless Summer League. 

Luckily for the front office, the team’s No. 11 overall pick Jett Howard shot the ball well enough to inspire hope for his rookie season.

“Jett Howard is doing some of the ‘other’ stuff here in Las Vegas,” an anonymous executive told Spotrac’s Keith Smith. “He’s moving the ball, playing defense, rebounding. That’s good, because his finishing has been a little rough. He’s got a good jumper though. That’s big for his chances of finding playing time.”

In his three games, Howard averaged 13.3 points, three rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 assists, and shot 40 percent from three-point range in 29.3 minutes. His three-point shooting percentage could be just what Orlando needs to break into the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

While many fans were upset with the organization for passing on sharpshooter Gradey Dick in the NBA Draft, Howard actually shot 10.4 percent better from three. In fact, Howard's shot percentage from long range was No. 12 amongst all players in Summer League to have averaged at least 6.5 attempted threes per game. 

If Howard can sustain his three-point shooting percentage next season, his role with the Magic will be clearly defined heading into the future, as he’d already be one of the team’s top shooters from distance.

Orlando has a promising future, one that looks much brighter than their Summer League record suggests. The sixth overall pick of the draft, point guard Anthony Black showcased some of his elite playmaking vision. Reigning Rookie of The Year, Paolo Banchero should be delighted to know that he’ll have some new talented rookies ready to help the team contend in 2023. 

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