In the ever-evolving landscape of NBA roster building, the Orlando Magic are taking a unique and compelling approach—investing in bloodlines. With a core of young, athletic players already in place, the Magic are now stacking their roster with players who not only bring skill but also pedigree. It’s a bet on basketball DNA, and it might just be the formula for long-term success.
Over the past few seasons, Orlando has quietly assembled a group of players with deep basketball lineage. This year’s NBA Draft and offseason moves solidified that trend. From Jett Howard—the son of former NBA All-Star and current Michigan head coach Juwan Howard—to Kenyon Martin Jr., whose father was the No. 1 overall pick in 2000, the Magic are tapping into a different kind of resource: players who’ve grown up around the game, understand its rhythms, and have absorbed the professionalism that comes with elite-level exposure.
There’s a reason this approach is so intriguing. Sons of former NBA players often enter the league with a built-in advantage. They’ve trained with NBA talent from a young age, learned how to handle media pressure, and, perhaps most importantly, developed an early sense of what it takes to succeed. These intangibles, paired with raw talent, can be a powerful combination. The Magic appear to be banking on just that.
Jett Howard, for example, brings not only perimeter shooting and size as a wing, but a basketball IQ that reflects his upbringing. He was coached by his father at Michigan and groomed in an environment where preparation, maturity, and discipline were non-negotiable. His transition to the NBA has been aided by that foundation, even as he adjusts to the league’s physicality and speed.
Meanwhile, Kenyon Martin Jr. has developed into a capable rotation player, known for his explosive athleticism and versatility. He brings grit and energy, attributes that often mirror the style of his father during his prime years. Martin Jr.’s understanding of the league’s demands is evident in his hustle and adaptability—traits that fit well with Orlando’s culture of defensive toughness and youth development.
But it doesn’t stop there. The Magic also have Paolo Banchero, the 2022 No. 1 overall pick, whose mother, Rhonda Smith-Banchero, was a former standout collegiate player and professional athlete. Paolo’s maturity, poise, and leadership have already made him the face of the franchise, and his background contributes to his early success.
Orlando’s strategy isn’t just about talent—it’s about legacy, experience, and character. By targeting players with NBA bloodlines, they’re betting that upbringing matters—that growing up in locker rooms, watching film sessions, and seeing the highs and lows of the game firsthand creates an edge.
As the Magic push forward in their rebuild, this commitment to basketball lineage could be the x-factor that propels them from promising to perennial contenders. They’re not just building a team—they’re cultivating a dynasty. In the NBA, where every edge counts, betting on bloodlines might just be the smartest gamble of all.
#Michigan State’s Spartans
