The Orlando Magic have officially exercised their third-year team options on guard Anthony Black and guard-forward Jett Howard, as well as their fourth-year team option on forward Paolo Banchero.
This move secures the futures of three young talents, ensuring they’ll remain with the Magic as the team continues its rebuild.
Paolo Banchero, who was a cornerstone for the Magic last season, played in and started 80 games, posting impressive averages of 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game over a team-high 35.0 minutes per game.
At just 21 years and 154 days old, Banchero made NBA history by becoming the youngest player to lead his team in scoring, rebounding, and assists. His standout performances earned him an All-Star selection, further cementing his place as one of the league’s top young stars.
Anthony Black had a solid rookie season, appearing in 69 games, including 33 starts. He averaged 4.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 16.9 minutes per game, showing flashes of potential.
Black also demonstrated a promising shooting touch, converting 39.4% from beyond the arc. He reached double figures in scoring seven times, including two games with 20+ points, highlighted by a career-high 23 points on December 26.
Jett Howard, meanwhile, played in 18 games during his rookie season with Orlando, averaging 1.6 points in limited minutes (3.7 per game).
He spent most of his time with Osceola in the NBA G League, where he flourished, averaging 18.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 32.0 minutes in 29 games (28 starts).
Howard’s development in the G League signals his potential to make a greater impact at the NBA level in the future.
By picking up these options, the Magic are showing their confidence in the growth and potential of Banchero, Black, and Howard, setting the stage for continued development as the team looks to build a competitive core.
Magic Exercise 25-26 Options On Paolo Banchero, Anthony Black, Jett Howard https://t.co/9qoWNk15pi
— RealGM (@RealGM) October 4, 2024
