Magic Gaming Adds Kapp, Matty, Reign in 2022 NBA 2K League Draft

ORLANDO – After revamping their roster this offseason, Magic Gaming completed their locker room makeover on Saturday night by adding three new players in the 2022 NBA 2K League Draft.

Orlando selected Justin “Kapp” Kaplan with the No. 10 overall pick, Matt “Matty” Grant at No. 19, and Blaine “Reign” Wilson at No. 32, and in the process added a blend of experience and high-end future potential to their squad.

“We feel really good,” said Magic General Manager and Head Coach Jonah Edwards. “We had several names on the board and I think we got three of the top (players) at every single position. Any time you can do that, you’re feeling really confident. Just as far as the team at this point, we feel the group is one that is going to be really, really professional, really mature and just has a really high ceiling.”

No player fits the high ceiling label better than Magic Gaming’s first selection of the night, Kapp. Although he just started playing the game competitively about 14 months ago, the former three-sport athlete stood out in the combine process as an extremely intelligent and tremendously talented prospect.

“I would say Kapp has as high a ceiling as any player in this entire draft class,” said Edwards of the 21-year-old point guard. “With him just kind of recently picking up the game at a high level, it just goes to show how quick of a learner he is. When we get our hands on the new league build, I imagine an even playing field will be a real opportunity for him to showcase his ability to learn the game quickly. We’re confident in his ability. No question.”

Kapp impressed Magic Gaming’s front office with his ability to manage games and dissect opposing coverages. That comes as no surprise since he currently coaches high school basketball. He’s eager to bring his hoops knowledge and leadership capabilities to Orlando.

“We need to come in and believe that we’re a championship team,” Kapp explained. “Once people start realizing that and we’re working hard, that’s all I can ask for right now. I believe that if you do all the right things off the court, you will be a playoff-caliber, championship-contending team.”

With their next pick, at 19th overall, Orlando added experience with Matty. A vet, who is entering his fourth season in the NBA 2K League, Matty spent last season with the Warriors Gaming Squad. Although previously a point guard, Magic Gaming views him as a versatile defender capable of playing small forward where he can utilize his defensive instincts, serve as a playmaker in transition, and help guide Kapp as he transitions into the league as a floor general.

“Matty is really, really unique in his playstyle in retail where he actually guards ball as the point guard,” Edwards said. “He might be only one of the players in the world that does so. We’re confident in his defensive ability, which is mainly what we’ve tapped into him for. Internally, in our locker room, we understand his ability to help groom Kapp if we can. His willingness to work hard and be flexible in that way (is so valuable).”

Orlando closed out its draft night by grabbing the top center on their board in Reign. Known for his rebounding, passing and scoring, Magic Gaming expects him to provide a huge boost for their squad on the offensive end of the court.

“We were just so thrilled to see him there at thirty-two,” Edward said. “We were sweating it out there for a minute. As far as rebounding ability, offensive ability, passing ability, I have him as the top center in the class there.”

That trio will join the two players left on the roster from last season, shooting guard Justin “Snubby” Stemerman and power forward Robert “May” May.

In his first season with Magic Gaming, Snubby impressed Orlando with his work ethic and team-first attitude. In his sophomore 2K League campaign, the Connecticut native averaged 15.9 points per game while shooting 51.4 percent from the field and 43.7 percent from 3-point range over the course of the regular season.

May is coming off a year where he toggled between center and power forward. Known as Octo-May for his ability to disrupt passing lanes and cause issues for opposing offenses, the third-year 2K League veteran averaged 1.2 blocks and 0.9 steals per contest. May led the entire league in field goal percentage, shooting a ridiculous 82.1 percent from the floor, while posting 13.6 points per game. He also finished second among all players in rebounding, pulling down 12.5 boards per contest.

“The biggest thing you can take from (our group) is we’re smart,” said Kapp of Magic Gaming. “I take a lot of pride in (our) high intellect. I believe if you put the work in it will translate on the court.”

Magic Gaming will hope that proves to be true when competitive action tips off on Tuesday, April 5.