After spending the most of his rookie season in the G-League, Jett Howard understands where he needs to improve with the Orlando Magic next season.
ORLANDO — Few players are more positioned to make an impact for the Orlando Magic next season than 2023 first-round pick Jett Howard.
If Orlando has one apparent issue that it needs to address next season, it is its shooting, and Howard may be one of the solutions. With his sights set on a bigger role next season, Howard understands where he needs to improve this summer.
“Defense and making open shots and buying into whatever they want me to do,” Howard stated. “That’s probably my biggest focus.”
In 29 games with the Magic’s G-League club, the Osceola Magic, the 2023 No. 11 overall choice averaged 18.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He also shot 44.7 percent from the field and made 3.6 three-pointers a game on 9.5 attempts (37.7 percent). Howard’s 3.6 3-pointers made per game for Osceola would have led Orlando by a significant margin, while Jalen Suggs led the club with an average of two made per game and ranked fourth in terms of 3-pointer percentage.
Despite having a skill set that could have filled a critical need for the Magic, Howard acknowledged that his time in Osceola was crucial for his development.
“I feel like it was probably the right decision for me to go down there, learn and grow every other day,” Howard said after spending the most of the season with Osceola. “[The game] definitely slowed down for me…I wouldn’t ask for a different rookie season.”
How Orlando tackles its offensive issues will most certainly decide its ceiling for next season. Last season, Orlando ranked 24th in points per game (110.5), 24th in 3-point percentage (35.2), 29th in 3-point attempts per game (31.3), and last in 3-pointers made per game (11).
Even if the Magic add players who can improve the team’s offense and shooting this offseason through free agency or trade, Howard will still have a chance to play meaningful minutes if he continues to improve his shotmaking and defense. And if Howard can improve in those two categories and the Magic add more scorers this winter, they may be among the greatest teams in the NBA next season.
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