The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas drew close to the Orlando Magic with 2-3 points after a hard loss in a game against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
The Magic lost their summer-league finale 102-86 but continued to look at the big picture.
Magic has a better idea. He believes he has next season No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero and other players like RJ Hampton, Cole Anthony and No. 32 Caleb Houston in the mix.
Although the future looks better for the Magic, they have faced some adversity at the back end of the Summer League: three straight losses.
The Magic shot 22.6 percent on 3-pointers and 65.2 percent on free throws, while being dismissed 37-31 in Saturday’s loss.
Despite the loss, the Magic see this summer league as an opportunity for a learning experience and new opportunities for everyone in the organization.
“He did a good job this summer in this short season,” said Magic Summer-League coach Jesse Murmoys. “No matter what happens, you just have to keep grinding and keep believing, and that’s for everyone involved.”
The Magic still had positivity against the Pistons. Justin James, a short forward who had previously played two seasons with the Sacramento Kings, stood out.
He scored 18 points in 25 minutes, made 6-of-11 shots with 5 rebounds and was 4-for-4 from the free throw line.
“I’m happy about my chances,” said James. “Certainly looking back on it, there are things you want to fix but I’m happy with the way I played and I look forward to the future.”
Summer League goes beyond just playing five games for the Magic. This is the measure of what has to happen for the players and the organization.
“Very happy as an organization, the Front Office did a really good job of putting together a really good group of humans,” Marmois said. “As far as professionalism, effort and play the right way, they all fit into our culture and do a really good job.”
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