Caldwell-Pope continues to fit in, communicate with new Magic teammates

The Magic returned to the practice courts inside the AdventHealth Training Center on Monday with a focus following an off-day Sunday and a competitive scrimmage Saturday.

The scrimmage was held over the weekend after last Fridays preseason contest against the Pelicans was canceled due to Hurricane Milton .

Them being able to break down the film, understand the things that we have to continue to execute on both offensively and defensively theyre doing such a great job of using their voices amongst each other, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said.

One of the fresh voices in Orlando is two-time NBA champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope , whos now gone through nearly two weeks of preseason with his new teammates.

Caldwell-Pope has continued to be in the right spots during practice and has fit in nicely with the Magic, according to Mosley.

Thats included directing and offering guidance to players both younger and older, including rookie forward Tristan da Silva and sophomore guard Jett Howard as well as veteran guards Cory Joseph and Gary Harris.

He does it in such subtle ways, Mosley said about Caldwell-Pope.

We do drills every day with recognizing spacing on the floor, and hes constantly talking to our wings about filling the corners.

Why? Because its so important to keep that corner filled because it gives the other guys room to operate and play, the coach added.

He does it by example but then hes going and having individual conversations with guys about the importance of the why you do it.

Beyond just his communication in practice, Caldwell-Pope has provided Orlandos starting unit Jalen Suggs, Caldwell-Pope, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr.

accurate sharpshooting and championship perspective.

Caldwell-Pope made at least 120 3-pointers in each of the last four seasons and earned significant consideration for the leagues All-Defensive team last year.

It just helps having more shooting out there, Wagner said of Caldwell-Pope.

Having someone that has played a lot of important games, knows defenses, can talk the different coverages and give us pointers.

...

So were more organized out there.

Although Carter (sprained left ankle) wasnt a full participant in practice Monday, the Magic center was able to walk through a couple more things on the floor, Mosley said.

Carter suffered the injury during Orlandos preseason opener at New Orleans last week and remains day-to-day.

Hes doing good, Mosley said about Carter.

Were going to continue to monitor him and make sure he keeps responding the right way to all of the treatment that were giving him.

While it remains to be seen if Carter can play in Orlandos preseason finale Friday against the Sixers, the Magic wont face Philadelphia star Joel Embiid.

The 5-time All-NBA center was ruled out for the rest of the preseason Sunday as part of his left knee management, the team said.

Jason Beede can be reached at [email protected] Up next ...

Magic vs.

Sixers When: 7, Friday, Kia Center TV: Bally Sports Florida.

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