Magic guard Anthony Black was able to participate in more of Monday’s practice at the AdventHealth Training Center, but his status for Orlando‘s first preseason game at Memphis on Wednesday night is still up in the air.
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As the Magic competed in full-court drills Monday, Black, who missed last week’s training camp because of a minor sprained ankle, took part in additional live action work, coach Sean Sweeney said.
“He looked good,” Sweeney said. “He had a good burst when he was out there, so that was good to see.”
Black spoke to the media after practice for the first time since returning to the court over the weekend.
“It was my first time missing camp so it’s been tough,” he said. “But (the) training staff’s doing a good job helping me get back right. Just still pretty invested in practice. (I’m) feeling better and looking to keep making strides.”
The 6-foot-7 guard, who’s entering his fourth season in the NBA, was asked by the Orlando Sentinel whether he plans to play in Orlando’s first preseason game Wednesday against the Grizzlies.
“I don’t know how I’m going to feel after kind of ramping up the next couple of days, but (I’m) definitely looking forward to getting back out there as soon as possible,” he said.
In addition to working back from a minor ankle sprain, Black is eligible to sign a rookie-scale contract extension before the start of the regular season. The Magic and Black face an Oct. 19 deadline (by 6 p.m.) to reach a deal, or he’d become a restricted free agent next summer.
After facing the Grizzlies on Wednesday night, the Magic will play the Cavaliers twice later this week for preseason contests. Orlando travels to Cleveland on Sunday before it hosts the Cavs next Tuesday at Kia Center.
The Magic then wrap up the preseason by hosting the Heat on Oct. 16. Orlando opens the regular season Oct. 21 against the Hawks.
Black discussed what he and his teammates hope to get out of Orlando’s four preseason games.
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“For the preseason, I think it would just be good for us, learning the system,” he said. “For me individually, I haven’t been practicing so I’ve just been watching. It’ll be good for me to kind of get some full live-game speed reps and just continue to know our offense better.”
Even though he missed time last week, Black still remained engaged with the rest of the team as Orlando’s new coaching staff began to install its offensive and defensive systems under Sweeney’s guidance.
Sweeney highlighted assistant coach Ben Johnson as one staff member who helped Black specifically.
“When he’s been out keeping engaged, Ben Johnson’s done a really good job,” Sweeney said. “Johnson’s done a good job asking him questions. And to be honest, (Anthony) has done a good job himself. He’s really trying to pay attention.
“One of the things that we’ve seen from these guys when they aren’t involved in drill work (is that) they good a great job of asking questions and being attentive, wanting to get things right when they are out there. And he’s done that.”
Black shared insight into what he’s noticed about Sweeney’s coaching style.
“The attention to detail and just edge,” the Magic guard said. “The same edge he asks us to play with, he brings every day (and) the rest of the coaches bring every day. Just high intensity, high focus, and just being real intentional on the things that we know we need to do as a team.”
Suggs update
For the second day in a row Magic guard Jalen Suggs was not seen during the media-viewing session of practice Monday, but not because of an injury.
Suggs continues to be a little under the weather, but “it sounds like he’s taking a turn for better,” Sweeney said.
“Just making sure his health is prioritized,” the Magic coach said about Suggs. “He can do a little bit, but not much right now. I think he’ll get back into it (Tuesday). We’ll get him going, but he’s doing good.”
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Jason Beede can be reached at [email protected]