ORLANDO, Fla. -A lifelong Orlando Magic fan, Dean Kooper has seen his share of highs and lows. But as 2018-2019 approaches, he's singing an upbeat tune.
- Orlando head coach was mic'd up for the practice
- Mo Bamba made his debut in front of Magic fans
- Forward Jonathan Isaac practiced despite an injured ankle
“It’s truly exciting," he said. "I’m excited to see the growth in all of the players, especially with all the trades we made and all the players we picked up this past season.”
And they were all on display Tuesday night, as the Magic hosted their annual open practice for the fans at Amway Center. Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac jerseys were plentiful, but there was one name on just about every fan's radar.
“I hope Mo Bamba gets into the starting lineup, because he has the longest hands in the NBA,” seven-year-old Hunter Brown said.
And he wasn't alone. Bamba was the talk of the town Tuesday night, with many fans anxious to get their first look at the Magic's first-round pick. While he and his teammates demonstrated pratice drills at the commision of head coach Steve Clifford, the chance to interact with fans young and old was not lost on the players.
“When we’re on the court, we don’t necessarily have the best opportunities to interact with our fans," Magic forwad Jonathan Isaac said. "Doing stuff like this, we get to see them, we get to sign stuff, and just get to see the smiles on their faces.” Isaac notably participated in non-contact drills during the practice after suffering a sprained ankle in the team's opening preseason game against Philadelphia Monday.
The Magic will host Brazilian-based Flamengo this Friday at Amway Center.