The Orlando Magic finished Summer League with a 4-1 record, rebounding from an opening loss to claim four straight victories, including a final win over the Boston Celtics. Assistant coach D.J. Bakker ran the on-court unit while new head coach Sean Sweeney observed from the sidelines, giving the organization a first look at how its young core might perform under a new system.
Noah Penda was the most striking improvement. In three Summer League games he shot 47.1% from three-point range on 5.7 attempts per game, a jump from the 32.3% he posted on 1.6 attempts during the 2025-26 regular season. He also logged 15 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.7 blocks in 29.4 minutes per contest. Bakker praised his effort, saying, “He wanted to play every game, and he never wanted to come out... He’s a competitor. He puts the time into his game and he did a great job of staying simple offensively.” On defense, Penda was tasked with guarding the opponent’s top wing and switching onto multiple positions, demonstrating the versatility the Magic value in a two-way player.
Jase Richardson returned to a more traditional point-guard role and delivered solid numbers. Over the same three games he averaged 18.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.7 steals in 30.1 minutes, while shooting 50% from three on 4.7 attempts per game. Bakker highlighted Richardson’s tempo-setting ability, noting that the guard “controlled the tempo and served as a leader in Las Vegas.” The improvement in his three-point shooting and playmaking suggests he could move beyond a rookie backup role.
Both players fit the Magic’s broader rebuild strategy, which prioritizes developing home-grown talent and two-way contracts such as Colin Castleton and Alex Morales. Penda’s ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions aligns with the team’s emphasis on spacing and defensive flexibility under Sweeney. Richardson’s playmaking and improved shooting address a long-standing need for a reliable floor general who can also space the lane.
Looking ahead to training camp, Penda and Richardson will be under close evaluation for guaranteed roster spots. Their Summer League performances provide a strong case for continued roles, with Penda’s shooting cadence and defensive versatility positioning him for a potential rotation spot and Richardson’s leadership and perimeter accuracy making him a candidate for a starting-level guard position. The Magic’s summer showing signals a shift toward a more shooting-centric, versatile identity that could reshape the team’s trajectory in the upcoming regular season.
