Although new Magic coach Sean Sweeney won’t be serving as the head coach of Orlando’s Summer League squad in Las Vegas, he hopes to use the next week and a half to set the foundation for what the regular roster will focus on this upcoming season.
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Leading the charge instead will be D.J. Bakker, who was recently named an assistant coach and director of player development under Sweeney.
Bakker, who joined the Magic after the past two seasons as an assistant coach for the Hornets and head coach for Charlotte’s G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, discussed what the new Magic coaching staff expects to get out of Summer League.
“Identifying who we want to be as a team,” he said earlier this week at the AdventHealth Training Center. “Understanding what are the standards and expectations that we want to set with the players. What’s the work environment that we want to create for the staff and the players? What does it look like? What does it feel like? The energy, the competitiveness and the daily consistency to strive to be a little bit better each and every day.
“So, if we can establish that foundation, that’s our goal,” he added. “And then obviously, identifying what leads to a highly efficient offense and a highly efficient defense. Establishing those baseline principles and building on those each and every day.”
To help establish those principles, Bakker will lean on guard Jase Richardson and forward Noah Penda. The Magic open Summer League Thursday night against the Hornets at Cox Pavilion on the campus of UNLV.
The pair of second-year pros discussed what Sweeney and Bakker are wanting to see from them out west, and the answers were similar.
“I think the main thing that they’re emphasizing is being a leader,” Richardson said. “Being the most vocal guy in here, especially at the point guard position. Just being as vocal as I can, help the other guys out and make sure my voice is being heard offensively and defensively.”
Added Penda, who hails from France: “Coach Sweeney asked me to be one of the most vocal guys, especially on defense. I want to say it’s the hardest part for me to be vocal, especially because of the language barrier, even though I think I speak pretty good English.”
For Richardson and Penda, Summer League is their chance to make a strong first impression on Sweeney and showcase what they’ve worked on so far this offseason.
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“I feel like I’ve worked on my body a lot this summer,” Richardson said. “I feel a lot stronger, quicker, more agile, more in shape and more conditioned. I definitely feel a lot better in those (areas).”
As rookies, Richardson averaged 4.4 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists during 10.9 minutes per night across 54 games, while Penda averaged 3.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists during 12.8 minutes per night across 59 games.
“Coaches are expecting to see evolution in the way you play, the way you approach the game,” Penda said. “The poise during the game, I think, is going to be the biggest thing. Erase the little rookie mistakes. Just play your game.”
Both Richardson and Penda mentioned that the new coaching staff wants the team to push the pace on offense to see how quickly they can get down the floor for open shots, while also playing aggressive, physical defense on the other end.
Richardson explained what a successful Summer League would look like for Orlando.
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“Just winning games and getting better,” the 6-foot-1 guard said. “Competing at a high level. (There are) a lot of high-level guys at these games, so just competing, working together and try to get wins.”
Bakker shared a similar sentiment, specifically mentioning three key words: Consistent, connected and competitive.
“If we’re those three things each and every night, that’s our team identity,” he said. “That’s what we believe leads to success. … Executing offensively, executing defensively and the makeup of our team, if we establish that, (it will be) a great Summer League for us.”
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Jason Beede can be reached at [email protected]
Up next …
Magic vs. Hornets, Las Vegas Summer League
When: 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Cox Pavilion
TV: Prime