Magnay’s mission: 'Stay healthy, stay ready'

Will Magnay didn’t quite crack the NBA this time, but the 27-year-old remains firmly in the mix for future opportunities.

“I thought I put my foot in the right direction and did the right thing and ultimately they went with someone a bit younger,” Magnay told WIN News Hobart, after missing out on a two-way deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.

“That’s sport and you’re always competing against someone from a bigger contract in a different league somewhere.

“It was a great experience and very grateful for them for bringing me in and helping me with my rehab. I was treated like one of their own.”

The Grizzlies told Magnay they’d be “watching for the future” — and for him, the key is staying healthy and playing consistent minutes.

“(Scott) Roth’s got sort of a new plan towards managing me towards the mid-season and backing me off some trainings a little bit,” he said.

Magnay was limited to just 13 games last season, a drop from the 27 he managed during the JackJumpers’ Championship-winning campaign.

The 27-year-old delivered career-best numbers and minutes in those appearances, laying the groundwork for another strong campaign. 

Just three days after wrapping up Summer League, Magnay was already back in Tasmania, hitting the court with his JackJumpers teammates as the work begins. 

He believes that if he stays the course and keeps performing, more NBA opportunities will eventually come his way.

Magnay also bumped into championship teammate Jack McVeigh at Summer League, sparking a cheeky and memorable reunion.

“He was playing a little more than I was and they were winning, and he said to me ‘what’s it like playing against the Jack McVeigh experience?’ … it made me want to head-butt him a little bit,” he joked.