Orlando Magic's Jett Howard Talks 3-Point Shooting 'Muscle Memory'

Orlando Magic rookie guard Jett Howard has the tools to become an elite shooter in the NBA.

Orlando Magic rookie guard Jett Howard was the No. 11 overall pick in June's draft thanks to his elite shooting ability. As a freshman with the Michigan Wolverines last season, he finished second in the Big Ten with 2.7 made triples per game.

As Howard gets ready to begin his first season in the NBA, he talked about how his hard work as a shooter has felt second nature up to this point in his basketball career.

"I've been doing it for so long. It's like muscle memory at this point. So as a kid I just been trying to be the best shooter possible," Howard said.

Michigan Wolverines guard Jett Howard (13) reacts after scoring against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at United Center / © Kamil Krzaczynski, USA TODAY

Unfortunately for Howard, that muscle memory didn't aid him in Tuesday's 104-92 preseason loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, as he finished the game scoreless on 0 of 6 shooting. But of course, that's the life of being a shooter in the NBA, plus it's only preseason. Bad shooting night are just an example highs and lows of the league, which can be magnified for rookies.

But even while getting his feet wet, Howard has had some solid games in the preseason as well. He scored eight points in each of his first two preseason appearances, finishing 6 of 14 shooting on four made 3s in 30 total minutes of play across the pair of contests.

Regardless of Tuesday's results, Howard remains a key part of Orlando's future and is fixing to be an important depth piece this season off the bench alongside fellow rookie guard Anthony Black. He'll get his first chance at proving this when the Magic hosts the Houston Rockets on opening night Wednesday.