Magic Starting 5: NBA Dunk Contest Judges Revealed

The Magic Insider lists five of the biggest NBA storylines in addition to relevant Orlando Magic news and analysis.

Jeremy Brener | Feb 16, 2023

Magic Starting 5: NBA Dunk Contest Judges Revealed /

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Orlando Magic

1. MARKELLE FULTZ: ULTIMATE TEAM GUY

"He's the ultimate team guy," head coach Jamahl Mosley said. "He trusts them and they trust him. He slows the game down enough that it allows guys to find reads and the right reads, but then again, he's pushing the basketball in transition under control. And I think that's what we've continued to ask of him and his teammates trust him in that regard."

2. G LEAGUE WEAPON GOGA BITADZE JOINS TEAM

"Bitadze, 23, was drafted No. 18 overall by the Pacers in 2019 but struggled to find his footing in a crowded Indiana frontcourt. Despite the release from the Pacers, there are still many who believe Bitadze can succeed in the NBA."

3. JAMAL CRAWFORD JOINS NBA DUNK CONTEST JUDGES

Joining Crawford at the judges' table will be Basketball Hall of Famers Lisa Leslie, Karl Malone, and Dominique Wilkins, as well as two-time Dunk Contest champion Harold Miner.

Those participating in the Dunk Contest are K.J. Martin (Houston Rockets), Mac McClung (Philadelphia 76ers), Trey Murphy III (New Orleans Pelicans) and Jericho Sims (New York Knicks).

4. THURSDAY'S GAMES

5. NEXT MAGIC GAME

The Magic will return to the court next Thursday night at home against the Detroit Pistons at 7:00 p.m. You can watch in-market on Bally Sports Florida or out-of-market on NBA League Pass.

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Published Feb 16, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.