Orlando Magic's Jett Howard Impressing in G League Stint

Orlando Magic rookie Jett Howard was one of the leading scorers in his G League debut, playing for Osceola against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Wednesday.

Rookie Jett Howard is improving his game in the G League with the Osceola Magic.

Howard was designated to spend some time with the Orlando Magic’s G League affiliate after struggling to find minutes on the court with the NBA team so far this season. 

Jett Howard impressed in his first action with the Osceola Magic / Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Through the team’s first 16 games, Howard had only appeared in five games and averaged 5.3 minutes of action in those appearances. However, playing extended minutes in the G League, Howard was able to shine. 

On Wednesday, Howard was the game's second-leading scorer. He scored 34 points, shooting 43.8 percent from 3-point range, making seven threes, and shooting 50 percent from the field.

“The G League is a lot of fun,” Howard said. “My teammates made the game easy for me. Getting reps in with these guys during Orlando’s training camp made it a seamless transition. It’s been great to be part of winning teams with the Magic.”

Against the Vipers, Osceola had four players score over 20 points, including Mac McClung (25) and Brandon Williams (22), who both entered the game as two players with the highest scoring averages of any play in the G League, and veteran Trevelin Queen, who scored 37 points in this game.

"I really was happy that he got himself going into a rhythm — obviously looking for his shots early, which is what we've asked him to do," coach Jamahl Mosley said about his debut.

On Friday, Howard struggled, connecting on just 2 of 12 from the field for eight points as the Magic lost in a rematch against the Vipers. 

However, there's hope that Howard can bounce back on Sunday against the Austin Spurs.

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