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5 things we learned from the Orlando Magic’s Summer League run

By Philip Rossman-Reich

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 12: Michael Foster Jr. #27 of the New York Knicks defends the basket against Jett Howard #13 of the Orlando Magic in the second half of a 2023 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 12: Michael Foster Jr. #27 of the New York Knicks defends the basket against Jett Howard #13 of the Orlando Magic in the second half of a 2023 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images) /
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Kevon Harris, Orlando Magic
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 08: Kevon Harris #7 of Orlando Magic takes a shot against Jalen Duren #0 of Detroit Pistons during the first quarter of a 2023 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 08, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images) /

5 things we learned from Orlando Magic Summer League

Kevon Harris needs a roster spot somewhere

Do you want to know what a two-way player looks like? Or really an NBA player looks like?

Kevon Harris played only one game in Summer League and that was really all the Orlando Magic needed to see.

He had the numbers — scoring 21 points, shooting 8 for 13 from the floor, grabbing six rebounds and recording two steals. He also had the look of a player who knew exactly what he was doing.

He was getting after his matchups defensively. He was diving on the floor and playing like he absolutely needed this contract. All the while, he was playing with the calmness and coolness of a veteran player.

It should not have been that surprising. Harris got his two-way contract with the Orlando Magic last year after averaging nearly 18 points per game for the Minnesota Timberwolves last summer. The Magic saw him contribute meaningfully to the team when his number was called throughout last season — including some big moments in an early season win over the Golden State Warriors.

Summer League can get a bit fudgy and nobody should be thinking Harris should take 13 shots per game or be a primary scorer like he was in that first Summer League game. But one thing that is usually clear are the players who are too good for the level they are playing at.

Harris was far too good to be playing in Summer League. And the Magic understood that after just one game.

Considering Harris is still on a two-way contract, it is hard to imagine he will have to worry about not having a permanent spot in the NBA very soon. This is not just about one Summer League game. He was really solid throughout his rookie season last year.

The unfortunate part though is the Magic have precious little playing time to give this year. They will not be relying on their two-way contract players as much. And so Harris might be in the background and have little opportunity to show how good he has truly become.

Then again, the Magic are going to have to feel confident that when they call on Harris’ number, he is going to deliver. At the very least, he is going to make practices that much more competitive while he is with Orlando.