ORLANDO - Noah Penda is stepping into Summer League with a different kind of responsibility this time around.
The Orlando Magic forward is no longer just another young player trying to find his footing. After appearing in 59 games, including two starts, during his rookie season, Penda now finds himself in a leadership spot on a Summer League roster that includes a mix of newcomers and returners. That group also features 2025 draft picks Jase Richardson and Penda, both of whom saw action for Orlando last season.
Penda said Monday that the early work under the Magic’s new coaching staff has already set a tone.
"I mean, first day, we're great," Penda said. "I think we got a good feeling with every coach; good connection.
We're definitely trying to play fast and play some pretty aggressive defense. I want to say be really physical and crash on the offensive glass.
That's going to be really important this year. But, yeah, it's definitely a change."
For Penda, the biggest shift from last summer to this one is tied to how much he has grown. He said the staff is looking for a player who looks more polished, more composed and more ready to handle the moment.
"I want to say status," Penday said. "Obviously, you want to see, and I think coaches are expecting to see, evolution in the way you play, the way you approach the game, the poise during the game. I think it's going to be the biggest thing.
"Erase the little rookie mistake, if I can say it like this," he added. "But after, just play your game. Don't get out of your own way of playing to show stuff that you won't do during the regular season."
That mindset carries over to how he wants to approach Summer League itself. Penda made it clear he sees this stage as a chance to reinforce habits, not experiment with a different version of himself.
"I mean, yes," Penda said. "I guess you want to play the Summer League how you're going to play the NBA season.
I want to say you're not going to take it easy. If I can say like this during the Summer League, then be surprised when you arrive at the training camp with the NBA guys and then get out of the rotation just because you approach the game easier in the summer."
And after a rookie year spent learning the grind of an NBA schedule, Penda said the biggest lesson is the one that lasts beyond any single game or stretch of playing time.
"NBA season is really long, and you're going to have plenty of opportunity to get in the rotation," Penda said. "So, with that being said, I also want to say that you will - I mean, there will be moments where you're going to be out of the rotation, and you have to stay consistent in the work you put in outside of the moments - I mean, outside of the court, outside of the games. And, yeah, consistency is the biggest key to stay and have a long career."
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