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ORLANDO — On Thursday, the Orlando Magic will kick off their 2026 NBA Summer League schedule with a game against the Charlotte Hornets in Las Vegas.
The Magic’s 2026 Summer League squad features a mix of old and new faces, one of which is Izaiyah Nelson.
Nelson, the 51st pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, will take the first step of his professional career with the Magic after playing his final year of college basketball with the University of South Florida last season. But for Nelson, the significance of beginning his professional career less than two hours from where he played collegiately has a much deeper meaning after he spent significant time in Orlando as he was growing up.
"It was very emotional," Nelson said about landing with the Magic. "Because, like I told the coaching staff, my great-grandma, she stayed 10 minutes down the street. And so, it was just like having them pick me, and me coming here as a kid growing up all the time, it was just like, 'Dang, I'm actually playing for the Orlando Magic.’ I would have never thought this dream would come true.
"And then, also, only living playing basketball an hour and a half away," Nelson added. "I still got USF fans texting me saying, 'We're going to come to every Orlando game now since you're only an hour away.’ And so, it's just like, it's good to be in that community and see the impact that I made in year one at USF."
In his lone season with the Bulls, Nelson started in 34 games and averaged 15.9 points and 9.6 rebounds along with 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks. Now, as the Magic have spent the days leading up to their first game against the Hornets preparing and practicing, Nelson's work ethic and motor have shined amongst the group.
For Nelson, the objective from the coaching staff is straight-forward: be himself.
"Really just bringing the same energy, like with the things that I do in college," Nelson said. "Just bring a lot of energy, have a high motor, be a pesky defender, and grab every rebound that I can. So, it's just like, that's pretty easy. I've been doing that for the last four years, and so it's like, why change it now?"
For Nelson and his teammates, the goal is to win. The players on the roster will have four Summer League games to prove their capabilities at this level and work toward additional playing time and security in their roster spot in the near future. Given Nelson’s intangibles, he is already off to a good start.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!
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The Magic’s 2026 Summer League squad features a mix of old and new faces, one of which is Izaiyah Nelson.
Nelson, the 51st pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, will take the first step of his professional career with the Magic after playing his final year of college basketball with the University of South Florida last season. But for Nelson, the significance of beginning his professional career less than two hours from where he played collegiately has a much deeper meaning after he spent significant time in Orlando as he was growing up.
"It was very emotional," Nelson said about landing with the Magic. "Because, like I told the coaching staff, my great-grandma, she stayed 10 minutes down the street. And so, it was just like having them pick me, and me coming here as a kid growing up all the time, it was just like, 'Dang, I'm actually playing for the Orlando Magic.’ I would have never thought this dream would come true.
"And then, also, only living playing basketball an hour and a half away," Nelson added. "I still got USF fans texting me saying, 'We're going to come to every Orlando game now since you're only an hour away.’ And so, it's just like, it's good to be in that community and see the impact that I made in year one at USF."
In his lone season with the Bulls, Nelson started in 34 games and averaged 15.9 points and 9.6 rebounds along with 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks. Now, as the Magic have spent the days leading up to their first game against the Hornets preparing and practicing, Nelson's work ethic and motor have shined amongst the group.
For Nelson, the objective from the coaching staff is straight-forward: be himself.
"Really just bringing the same energy, like with the things that I do in college," Nelson said. "Just bring a lot of energy, have a high motor, be a pesky defender, and grab every rebound that I can. So, it's just like, that's pretty easy. I've been doing that for the last four years, and so it's like, why change it now?"
For Nelson and his teammates, the goal is to win. The players on the roster will have four Summer League games to prove their capabilities at this level and work toward additional playing time and security in their roster spot in the near future. Given Nelson’s intangibles, he is already off to a good start.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
