Orlando Magic select Jett Howard in 2023 NBA Draft
Jett Howard has found a home in the NBA. The Orlando Magic selected the Michigan guard with the 11th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
As the son of Michigan head coach Juwan Howard, the 6-foot-8 prospect had a standout freshman year for the Wolverines. In 29 contests, Howard averaged 14.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Howard shot 41.4% from the floor and 36.8% from beyond the arc in his lone collegiate season.
The 19-year-old’s numbers earned him fitting accolades. The media named Howard to the All-Big Ten Third team. Additionally, Howard was selected to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, the fifth-straight year a Michigan freshman has been chosen for the honor.
Prior to his time at Michigan, Howard was a four-star recruit and the No. 41 player in the Class of 2022, according to On3 Industry Rankings. Further, the Miami native was the No. 10 player in his class, coming out of Florida.
Howard grinded his way to respect. The versatile right-handed guard transferred to the acclaimed IMG Academy for his final two high school seasons after two years at University School. Howard averaged 13.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in his senior season at IMG Academy, boosting the Ascenders to a 21-5 record and semifinal of the GEICO Nationals.
When Howard wasn’t competing for his high school, he took the court for Nightrydas Elite in the Nike EYBL Summer League. Howard averaged 11.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists for the team.
What NBA Draft experts are saying about Jett Howard
Experts seemingly believe Howard’s skillset will carry over to a professional level.
“Howard is first and foremost a 3-point shooter, whether it be off of standstill catch-and-shoots or even movement with the basketball. He can also pump-fake and drive into mid-rangers and floaters, but if help defense pushes up, his passing ability helps create good looks for his teammates. Howard’s good length for a wing allows him to shoot over contests,” according to NBA.com.
“Howard’s ability to knock down 3-pointers and be a secondary playmaker could make him a plug-and-play option for most teams, especially those in need of perimeter shooting off the bench. His game is comparable to a more 3-point oriented Chandler Parsons or a bigger Tim Hardaway Jr. Teams can run plays for Howard, or he can find action in the flow of the game — both of which are useful in the NBA.”