Kevon Harris ready to make impact for Magic in second half of season
Throughout last season, two-way guard Kevon Harris found his spots to make an impact on both ends of the court in limited minutes for the Magic.
He showed his toughness and determination on defense through hustle plays, such as steals and deflections, while playing a larger role on offense for the franchise’s G League affiliate.
Harris entered the offseason planning to showcase more of his skillset for the Magic at the NBA level in 2023-24. He served as a leader for the organization’s Summer League team in Las Vegas and was on track to make a difference again this season for Orlando and Osceola.
Those plans, however, quickly changed for Harris as he dealt with right knee soreness from the start of the preseason.
He was inactive for the first 41 NBA games, listed out at times due to a “coach’s decision,” and only recently made his return to the court for the Magic.
“Really, my first ‘real’ injury throughout my career,” Harris told the Sentinel late last week. “It’s been mentally frustrating but I’m good [now.] I’m coming back.
“I’m back on the court playing with the team so just getting my wind under to me help us win some games.”
Harris played in his first G League game of the season with Osceola on Jan. 6 and notched 15 points with 9 rebounds in 22 minutes. Through seven contests since returning, he’s averaged 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 47.3% from 3-point range.
Although the result was already determined, Harris was able to play the final 3 minutes of Friday’s Magic home loss to the 76ers at Kia Center. He grabbed one rebound while closing out on the floor.
“It was just my first game so I’m getting my feet under me,” he said.
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Physically, Harris said he’s feeling good after overcoming the right knee soreness that kept him sidelined.
During Wednesday night’s Osceola win over the Cleveland Charge, Harris sunk 4 three-pointers to power his way to 18 points and 7 rebounds.
He knows it will still take time for him to get back to the way he performed last season.
“I’m just grateful to be back out there on the floor with the team,” Harris said. “I’m still trying to get in my rhythm out there and trying to have fun out there right now. I’ve been out for a few months, so it feels good to be back out there on the court and getting back to the flow of things.”
In July 2022, he signed a two-year two-way contract with Orlando, which means he’ll enter the summer as restricted free agent if the franchise extends him a qualifying offer. If the team doesn’t, he’d become an unrestricted free agent.
While things change constantly in the NBA, Harris said at the Magic’s media day in October he plans on being with the organization for a long time.
Last year, he played in 34 games for Orlando and averaged 4.1 points (43.9% shooting), 2.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 13.4 minutes. His scoring ballooned to 18.9 points with 3 assists during 31.4 minutes in 20 G League games.
Limited to 50 NBA games on a two-way contract, some players have a hard time finding where they fit in the rotation. That wasn’t the case for Harris.
He’s aiming to make his presence known again on the court in the second half of this season as the Magic find themselves in contention for the playoffs.
“I’m looking forward to helping us win some games,” he said. “I know I can definitely impact us winning some games in a big way.”
Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on X, known as Twitter, at @therealBeede.
