Jaden Akins will join his former Michigan State teammate Jase Richardson on the Orlando Magic's roster for the upcoming NBA Summer League. Akins, who went undrafted but started every game for the Spartans over the last two seasons, will have the opportunity to showcase his skills alongside Richardson, who was selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. This marks a significant reunion for the two standout players from Michigan State, as they look to make a mark in the Summer League starting July 10 against the Sacramento Kings.

Despite Akins' impressive performance in college, his undersized frame may have affected his draft stock. Nonetheless, his double-digit scoring average and defensive prowess have drawn attention, and the Summer League could serve as a pivotal platform for him to catch the eyes of NBA scouts and teams. The Magic's Summer League schedule includes four games over the course of a week in Las Vegas.

Noah Penda, a promising 20-year-old forward hailing from France, experienced a whirlwind of emotions during the recent NBA Draft. Having anticipated being selected on the first day, Penda found himself waiting until the second round to join the Orlando Magic at the 32nd pick. The franchise demonstrated its faith in him by trading up to secure his spot, a move that Penda embraced as recognition of his hard work.

At the AdventHealth Training Center, Penda and fellow rookie Jase Richardson, the Magic's first-round selection, were introduced to the media. Both players are eager to contribute and embody what the Magic call their 'DNA,' which emphasizes hard work and teamwork. Penda and Richardson's different backgrounds blend together as they prepare to join a team determined to build on recent playoff appearances, with the duo focused on defensive excellence as they embark on their NBA careers.

The Orlando Magic held a lively press conference to unveil their latest draft picks, first-round selection Jase Richardson and second-round pick Noah Penda, at the AdventHealth Training Center. Many enthusiastic fans joined the event, highlighting the excitement surrounding the Magic’s future. Jase Richardson showed palpable enthusiasm during the event, expressing his eagerness to contribute to the team, while Penda also conveyed his delight about joining the franchise.

President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman and head coach Jamahl Mosley were present, with Mosley mentioning how these picks align with the team’s vision for a competitive future. The presence of current players, including Jalen Suggs, emphasized the camaraderie and support for the new additions, creating a positive atmosphere as the organization aims for an exciting season ahead.

The Orlando Magic have made a significant addition to their roster by selecting Michigan State's Jase Richardson with the No. 25 pick in the 2025 NBA draft. This comes in response to their previous season's struggles with three-point shooting, the worst in the league.

Tom Izzo, Michigan State's legendary coach, provided a glowing endorsement to Magic president Jeff Weltman, praising Richardson's skills and character. Izzo described Richardson as a 'great player, a better teammate and person,' highlighting his high basketball IQ and commitment to winning. This endorsement aligns with Richardson's own recent acknowledgment of Izzo's influence on his decision to enter the draft.

Jase Richardson, selected 25th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2025 NBA Draft, brings a potent mix of skills that make him a valuable addition to the team. The Michigan State guard averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, showcasing his shooting ability with a 41.2% success rate from beyond the arc. His impressive box plus-minus ranking further emphasizes his impact on the court.

At 6'1" with a wingspan of 6'6", Richardson's versatility as a guard allows him to excel in playmaking and defense. Magic president Jeff Weltman praised him as a low-mistake player who can contribute to the team's immediate goals, especially alongside promising talents like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. With a familial connection to the Magic through his father, Jason Richardson, Jase is eager to make his mark in Orlando.