Getty Rhode Island guard Jeff Dowtin celebrates a three-point shot during a 2019 game against VCU.
While looking for an NBA gig over the summer, point guard Jeff Dowtin joined the Golden State Warriors for a two-game run in the California Classic. He acquitted himself well, too, putting up a 17-4-4 line and connecting on 65% of his shot attempts.
Those efforts clearly made an impression on the Dubs, as they claimed him off waivers in October and converted his deal to a two-way contract.
Less than three months later, the team elected to repurpose the roster spot, waiving Dowtin and converting affiliate player/hardship signee Quinndary Weatherspoon’s deal to a two-way pact. However, the former Rhode Island standout has nonetheless been able to keep himself in the NBA mix.
After having a cup of coffee with the Bucks in January, the 24-year-old now looks to have found another hoops home with a familiar club.
Dowtin Re-Signs With Magic (Again)
Per an announcement from the team on Tuesday, the Orlando Magic have signed Dowtin to a 10-day contract.
Of course, Dowtin is no stranger to the Magic. As an undrafted free agent in 2020, he signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the team, eventually making his way to their Lakeland affiliate, with whom he won a G League title in 2021.
Next came his California Classic experience with the Warriors, which was followed by a run with Orlando’s entry into the Las Vegas Summer League. In September, the Magic re-signed him.
Dowtin went on to play in three preseason games with the team, averaging 4.7 points in 8.7 minutes per game. He famously closed out his preseason experience by doing this to the Celtics:
The baller joined Golden State when the Magic waived him just before the 2021-22 season tipped off. However, he appeared in just four games with the Dubs and was relegated to mop-up duty.
Coincidentally, his best performance with the Warriors came on December 6 when he scored four points on 2-of-3 shooting in five minutes against the Magic.
Although his playing time in the Association has been limited — he got just one game during his brief run in Milwaukee as well — Dowtin has made the most of his G League experience. In 21 games with Lakeland and the Wisconsin Herd this season, he has averaged 21.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.2 rebounds.
He performed similarly with the Sea Dubs during Showcase Cup play, logging an 18-6-5 line.
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Dowtin to Debut Against Golden State?
In another twist of fate, it will be a double reunion for Dowtin on Tuesday night as the Magic will be playing host to — you guessed it — the Warriors at Amway Center. It’s difficult to say whether or not he’ll actually get into the game, though.
Either way, the game is a big one for the Bay Area crew, who will finally have Gary Payton II back on the court after his recent bout with knee soreness.
Payton last played for Golden State during a March 3 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. In 60 games with the club this season, the veteran guard-forward has averaged 7.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals while shooting an impressive 61.2% from the field.
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