Magic Gaming’s Rookie Point Guard Brings High Ceiling, Basketball IQ, and Leadership to Orlando

ORLANDO – Over the course of their first four seasons in the NBA 2K League, Magic Gaming has consistently knocked on the door of the playoffs but has been unable to swing it open.

Despite having talented players and some big names in the gaming community, Orlando came up short in several key contests that would have propelled them to the postseason.

Reflecting back on those outcomes, Magic General Manager and Head Coach Jonah Edwards made the difficult decision this offseason to revamp their roster and not only stockpile the shelves with talented individuals with immense potential, but also with players that possess strong leadership skills and deliver peak performances in high-pressure situations.

With the 10th overall pick in the 2022 NBA 2K League draft, Magic Gaming believes they found a player that fits that bill to a T in Justin “Kapp” Kaplan, a three-sport athlete, who shockingly just started playing the game competitively less than two years ago.

“He understands teams at high level,” said Edwards of the 21-year-old point guard, whose high school athletic career included basketball, cross country, and baseball – a sport which he also played collegiately. “I think that’s something that we’ve lacked over the last couple of years internally. People that pull us together and bring the team together.”

His ability to lead flashed in the pre-draft process. Armed with perhaps a less talented group than much of the opposition, Kapp continuously propelled his team to victories during Magic Gaming’s combine qualifying tournament. His basketball acumen was also on full display as he dissected defenses as a playmaking point guard and disrupted offenses as a defender.

“He does some things that other guards in this class just aren’t capable of doing as far as managing the game at a high level, manipulating the defense,” Edwards explained. “I think his overall game sense and understanding of the game. He’s a completely cerebral player and there just are not a lot of those around. For us, it was a no brainer.”

While those traits certainly impressed Magic Gaming’s brass, it was perhaps his actions after a loss that convinced the franchise he was a player they needed to have at all costs.

Following his team’s defeat in one of the combine qualifiers, Kapp reached out to Edwards asking for advice on how best to adjust to a unique 2K defensive rotation he observed during that final contest. It was yet another example of his high-basketball IQ and willingness to learn. Those attributes, coupled with his natural talent, had Magic Gaming’s coach pondering just how successful Kapp could be once he was brought into an NBA 2K League organization and committed to playing the game full time.

“I would say Kapp has as high a ceiling as any player in this entire draft class,” Edwards explained. “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.”

The New York native is excited to be in Orlando and put his stamp on the franchise. He feels that his strong work ethic is the perfect match for a coach like Edwards, whose teams put in the most practice time of any in the league.

“I believe that if we develop good habits early (and) establish a good culture, I think that goes a long way, especially in 2K,” said Kapp. “2K is a mental game. So, I believe if we can build good off-court habits then it’ll translate on the court. You’ll see a different brand of Magic basketball.”

Kapp will be surrounded by a number of like-minded individuals. Matt “Matty” Grant, the team’s selection at 19th overall in the same draft, is entering his fourth season in the league. The former D-1 basketball player has been his team’s primary point guard through stretches of his career and is perhaps the perfect vet to groom Orlando’s young prodigy.

“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).”

Shooting guard Justin “Snubby” Stemerman and power forward Robert “May” May will also be able to provide guidance to the young floor general. In his sophomore 2K League campaign, Snubby 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, entering his fourth season, led the league in field goal percentage (82.1 percent) and finished second in rebounding (12.6 boards per contest).

“The biggest thing you can take from (our group) is we’re smart,” said Kapp of his squad, which also includes talented rookie center Blaine “Reign” Wilson. “I take a lot of pride in (our) high intellect. I believe if you put the work in it will translate on the court.”

Orlando opens up its training camp this week in preparation for THE TIPOFF tournament, which starts on April 5.

“It’s super exciting to be with a team again and be with a group of guys who are hungry to win,” Kapp explained. “You’re competing for money now in a video game. Who would have thought that we’d be sitting here doing this? So, I’m super stoked.”