Category: Orlando Magic Blog

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Orlando Magic hire Arnie Kander as vice president of player performance and wellness

The Orlando Magic have named Arnie Kander as vice president of player performance and wellness, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today.

Kander, who brings more than 24 seasons of NBA experience, will be responsible for overseeing the Magic’s high performance staff, including the management of athletic training services, injury reduction and rehabilitation programming, strength and conditioning, sports science and recovery, and player nutrition.

“We are thrilled to welcome Arnie (Kander) to the Magic family,” said Weltman. “Over his career, Arnie has helped define the space of player performance. His experience and expertise will be invaluable as we train and care for our players. We look forward to him leading our performance team.”

An innovator in the fields of injury prevention, sports rehabilitation and physical conditioning, Kander is renowned in the professional sports world for his unique methods of application. He has designed recovery and workout programs that have proven to be successful.

Kander spent 23 seasons with the Detroit Pistons, originally joining the team during the spring of 1992, when he became the team’s first strength and conditioning coach. His duties in Detroit included the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries, as well as the design and implementation of specific programs that are aimed at enhancing individual players’ flexibility, strength and aerobic conditioning.

Kander also spent the 2015-16 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves as vice president of sports performance. Following his stint with Minnesota, Kander consulted with the Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers, while also working individually with a host of NBA players.

Magic forward Paolo Banchero had an outstanding rookie season

Via the Orlando Sentinel:

As the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft, Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero faced a plethora of expectations — internally and externally.

He met his own exceptions as a rookie while exceeding others.

“I wouldn’t say I exceeded them but I definitely met them,” Banchero said. “I did everything I wanted to do in my first year. It’s definitely time to take it to another level this next year. That’s what I’m excited about.”

While shifting his focus to his offseason work, Banchero also took time to reflect on the season that led to him being the betting favorite for Rookie of the Year.

With averages of 20 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists, he became the 12th rookie in the league’s history to average at least 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists for a season.

Orlando Magic relocating their G League team to Kissimmee, rebranding them as the Osceola Magic

The Orlando Magic will relocate its NBA G League affiliate to Kissimmee, FL, and it will be rebranded as the Osceola Magic. Their new home will be in Osceola Heritage Park, beginning play at Silver Spurs Arena in November 2023, CEO and Managing Partner Alex Martins announced today.

“We are excited to bring the Magic and NBA G League basketball to Osceola County, Kissimmee and Osceola Heritage Park,” said Martins. “We would like to thank Osceola County Chairwoman Viviana Janer, County Manager Don Fisher and Osceola Heritage Park General Manager Robb Larson in assisting us in making this move a reality. We look forward to being an invested community partner in Kissimmee and Osceola County.”

“Osceola County’s strategic planning continues to attract top tier organizations that share in our vision for the community,” said Janer. “We are honored to have the Osceola Magic make their new home at OHP. When it comes to sports and entertainment, we already host many premium events and organizations. Today, I’m proud that the Orlando Magic organization is joining the list of marquee partners that call Osceola County and Osceola Heritage Park their home. We look forward to cheering on our new team and welcoming fans from all over to experience the magic of Osceola County.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Osceola Magic to our community and to Osceola Heritage Park,” said Larson. “This partnership will not only bring exciting professional basketball games to Osceola County, but also provide opportunities to local businesses and tourism. We look forward to working closely with the team to create a memorable experience for fans and players alike.”

Magic forward Jonathan Isaac undergoes season-ending surgery

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac underwent surgery on Friday morning to repair a torn left adductor muscle and will miss the remainder of the 2022-23 regular season.

An MRI conducted Wednesday revealed the injury, after he felt discomfort following Tuesday’s practice in Milwaukee.

“Our thoughts are with Jonathan, whose fortitude in dealing with adversity is unique,” said Orlando Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman. “Jonathan has worked extremely hard to return to the court this season and has demonstrated his impact on our team. We will be by his side as he focuses on the work ahead.”

Isaac (6’10”, 230, 10/3/97) played in 11 games this season, averaging 5.0 ppg., 4.0 rpg. and 1.27 stlpg. in 11.3 minpg.

Originally selected in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2017 NBA Draft by Orlando, Isaac has appeared in 147 career NBA regular season games (106 starts), all with the Magic, averaging 9.0 ppg., 5.3 rpg., 1.0 apg., 1.43 blkpg. and 1.08 stlpg. in 24.7 minpg. He has also played and started in five career playoff outings, averaging 6.6 ppg., 6.2 rpg. and 1.00 blkpg. in 27.3 minpg.

Orlando Magic sign Michael Carter-Williams

The Orlando Magic have signed free agent guard Michael Carter-Williams, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today.

Originally selected in the first round (11th overall) of the 2013 NBA Draft by Philadelphia, Carter-Williams (6’6”, 205, 10/10/91) has appeared in 391 career NBA regular season games (217 starts) with Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Chicago, Charlotte, Houston and Orlando, averaging 10.3 ppg., 4.4 rpg., 4.4 apg. and 1.27 stlpg. in 25.3 minpg. He has also played in 16 career playoff games (six starts), averaging 7.5 ppg., 3.2 rpg. and 2.9 apg. in 21.0 minpg.

Carter-Williams was signed as a free agent by Orlando to a 10-day contract on March 15, 2019. He played in 88 games (25 starts) with the Magic from 2019-22, averaging 7.5 ppg., 3.9 rpg. and 3.3 apg. in 21.1 minpg. Carter-Williams was waived by Orlando on February 10, 2022.

Carter-Williams was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2013-14 and selected to the 2013-14 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Carter-Williams will wear #11 with the Orlando Magic.

Orlando Magic convert contract of Admiral Schofield into standard NBA contract

The Orlando Magic have converted the contract of forward Admiral Schofield to a standard NBA contract, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today.

Schofield (6’5”, 240, 3/30/97) signed as a free agent to a two-way contract by Orlando on July 22, 2022. He has played in 27 games this season, averaging 4.6 ppg. and 1.9 rpg. in 13.0 minpg. He also played in two games (one start) with Lakeland of the NBA G League during the NBA G League Winter Showcase, averaging 13.0 ppg., 2.5 rpg. and 1.0 apg. in 24.2 minpg. Schofield has scored in double figures three times, including a season-high 13 points on December 3 @ Toronto and December 18 @ Boston.

Originally selected in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2019 NBA Draft by Philadelphia, Schofield has played in 98 career NBA regular season games (three starts) with Washington and Orlando, averaging 3.8 ppg. and 1.9 rpg. in 12.1 minpg. He has also appeared in 53 career NBA G League regular season games (50 starts) with Capital City, Greensboro and Lakeland, averaging 14.8 ppg., 5.8 rpg. and 2.3 apg. in 29.5 minpg.

Schofield played in 132 career games (94 starts) during four seasons at the University of Tennessee (2015-19), averaging 11.9 ppg., 5.3 rpg. and 1.3 apg. in 24.9 minpg., while shooting .387 (184-476) from three-point range. As a senior (2018-19), he played and started in 37 games, averaging 16.5 ppg., 6.1 rpg. and 2.0 apg. in 31.7 minpg., while shooting .418 (74-177) from three-point range. He was named to the All-SEC First Team by the conference coaches, earned All-SEC Tournament Team honors and was also an honorable mention All-American by Associated Press. As a junior (2017-18), Schofield was named to the All-SEC Second Team by the conference coaches and earned All-SEC Tournament Team honors.

Schofield wears #25 for the Orlando Magic.

Orlando Magic waive R.J. Hampton

The Orlando Magic have waived guard R.J. Hampton, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today.

Upon clearing waivers, Hampton will become a free agent.

Hampton (6’6”, 190, 2/7/01) has played in 26 games this season with Orlando, averaging 5.7 ppg., 1.5 rpg. and 1.3 apg. in 13.9 minpg., while shooting .838 (31-37) from the free throw line. He scored in double figures eight times, including a season-high 15 points on Oct. 30 @ Dallas and Nov. 3 vs. Golden State.

Originally selected in the first round (24th overall) of the 2020 NBA Draft by Milwaukee, Hampton has played in 141 career NBA regular season games (15 starts) with Denver and Orlando, averaging 7.0 ppg., 2.9 rpg. and 2.0 apg. in 18.8 minpg. He was acquired by the Magic from Denver, along with Gary Harris and a future first round draft pick, in exchange for Gary Clark and Aaron Gordon on Mar. 25, 2021.

Hampton appeared in 116 career games (15 starts) with the Magic, averaging 8.0 ppg., 3.1 rpg. and 2.3 apg. in 20.8 minpg.

Magic sign Goga Bitadze

The Orlando Magic have signed free agent center Goga Bitadze.

Bitadze (6’11”, 230, 7/20/99) has played in 21 games this season with Indiana, averaging 3.3 ppg. and 2.3 rpg. in 9.6 minpg., while shooting .519 (27-52) from the floor. He led (or tied) the Pacers in rebounding once. Bitadze has scored in double figures once and had one double-double – a season-high 14 points and a career-high 15 rebounds on Oct. 22 vs. Detroit.

Originally selected in the first round (18th overall) of the 2019 NBA Draft by Indiana, Bitadze has played in 170 career NBA regular season games (21 starts), all with the Pacers, averaging 4.8 ppg. and 2.8 rpg. in 11.5 minpg.

A native of Georgia, Bitadze has been playing against professional competition since he was 16 years old. Prior to being drafted by Indiana in 2019, he spent his international career playing in Georgia, Serbia and Montenegro. Bitadze has been a member of the Georgian National Team.

Bitadze will wear #35 with the Orlando Magic.

Magic waive Terrence Ross

The Orlando Magic have waived guard Terrence Ross, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today.

Assuming he clears waivers, Ross will become a free agent.

“We want to thank Terrence (Ross) for all of his contributions during his time here in Orlando,” said Weltman. “We truly appreciate his professionalism and veteran leadership. We are excited this agreement will give him an outstanding opportunity, and we wish he and his family all the best.”

Ross (6’7”, 205, 2/7/01) has played in 42 games (nine starts) this season with Orlando, averaging 8.0 ppg., 2.0 rpg. and 1.3 apg. in 22.5 minpg. He scored in double figures 12 times and 20+ points twice, including a season-high 29 points on Oct. 22 vs. Boston.

Originally selected in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2012 NBA Draft by Toronto, Ross has played in 712 career NBA regular season games (187 starts) with Toronto and Orlando, averaging 11.0 ppg., 2.8 rpg. and 1.3 apg. in 24.7 minpg. He was acquired by the Magic from Toronto, along with a future first round draft pick, in exchange for Serge Ibaka on Feb. 14, 2017.

Ross appeared in 349 career games (55 starts) with the Magic, averaging 12.7 ppg., 3.0 rpg. and 1.7 apg. in 26.1 minpg. He ranks sixth on both Orlando’s all-time three-pointers made list with 697 and three-pointers attempted list with 1,986.

Magic waive Patrick Beverley

The Orlando Magic have waived guard Patrick Beverley, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today.

Assuming he clears waivers, Beverley will become a free agent.

Beverley (6’2”, 180, 7/12/88) was acquired from the L.A. Lakers along with cash considerations, as well as a future second draft pick from Denver, as part of a four-team trade on Feb. 9. He has played and started in 45 games this season with the L.A. Lakers, averaging 6.4 ppg., 3.1 rpg. and 2.6 apg. in 26.9 minpg. Beverley did not appear in any games with Orlando.