Magic head to summer league looking to make impression

A year ago, Kevon Harris was hoping to make an impression on NBA teams at Las Vegas summer league, and that’s just what he did.

Shortly after making five summer league starts for the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Magic signed Harris to a 2-year two-way deal.

Fast-forward to this week as Harris finds himself back at summer league but this time with the experience of 34 NBA games and an understanding of Orlando’s expectations.

“I came out here with a purpose to prove I can be in the NBA and deserve to be on an NBA team,” Harris recalled after practice Thursday. “I got the job and it’s the same approach this summer — come out and prove something, show what the Magic can do and lead these young guys.”

Two of those younger players include the newest members of the Magic: first-round draft picks Anthony Black and Jett Howard.

Black, who was selected No. 6 overall last month, shared what he wants to showcase at his first summer league.

“Really just a little bit of everything,” he said. “Making winning plays, distributing the ball, scoring the ball, defending — just all types of stuff to help us win.”

The 6-7 Arkansas product said he doesn’t feel the pressure that could come with being an NBA top-10 draft pick.

“I trust the work I put in and I know it’s a team game,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of teammates with me at summer league. I’m going to try to do my part and I’m confident in everyone else to do their part.”

Howard, who was selected five picks later, discussed what the Magic want to see from him during summer league.

“Competitiveness and team chemistry as well,” he said. “Finding out how I play in the system and bouncing off everybody and playing well with others was the main message.”

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley is hoping summer league can build a strong foundation for Howard and Black so that they are ready for training camp ahead of the regular season this fall.

“Our coaches are doing such a great job of teaching, so a lot of things that these guys are going to see now are exactly the same thing they’re going to see in training camp,” he said. “Considering the fact that we do have some of our veteran guys who were on the roster last year in the gym working, these young guys know the body of work that they’re going to have to put in and how you have to work in order to get better.”

With Harris locked into one more year on his two-way contract, Orlando has 2 two-way contracts left to use. Like all 30 teams, the Magic can sign any free agent at summer league and aren’t limited to their own roster.

Orlando tips off action Saturday (5:30 p.m., ESPN) vs. Detroit at the Thomas and Mack Center. The Magic will play at least four more times.

Mosley offered advice for the young players hoping to make their names known similar to Harris a year ago:

“You just have to embrace what the coaches are giving you,” the coach said. “Your ability to try to learn whatever they’re trying put in front of you and then just go out and be yourself. Don’t try to do things that you’re not capable of doing.”

Magic officially sign Joe Ingles

Orlando announced the signing of free agent Joe Ingles on Friday.

He agreed on a two-year, $22 million contract, ESPN reported. Ingles will wear No. 7 for the Magic while Harris will switch to No. 8, the team said.

Ingles spent last season in Milwaukee where the 6-8 forward played 46 games and averaged 6.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 22.7 minutes.

“Joe is a smart, tough player who truly impacts winning in every way,” Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said in a statement. “His shooting, playmaking and experience will be a welcome addition to our team.”

Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @therealBeede.