Before Orlando tips-off the 2026-27 season, the Magic hosted over 3,200 elementary schoolers from Title 1 Orange County Public Schools for their eighth-annual Pick, Read, & Roll event. Magic players participated in multiple challenges with the kids, including a free throw and three point competition, as well as rock, paper, scissors.
“I always grew up on commercials with Peyton Manning in Denver telling us to read books, so it’s always special when you have somebody that’s a big time NFL player, NBA player tell you to read books,” Magic guard Jase Richardson said.
All 17 Magic players were announced to start the event, with the kids cheering them on as they made their way to the court. Players were split into teams to compete with the fifth graders who showed the most improvement in their reading level.
“The numbers are incredible if you look at the statistics of literacy and how well they’re performing in terms of reading and wanting to read and making it cool because the players are doing it,” Orlando Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman said. “That’s fantastic. I just think it’s an opportunity for these kids to get rewarded and to come and have a little motivation for the next year.
The event is part of a larger initiative by the Orlando Magic to help motivate Central Florida children to read. The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation recently announced $1.8 million in available grants for local at-risk youth.
“Education has always been a big thing for not just Orlando, but the organization,” Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. said. “They give back and what they do is give back to the community is second to none. Compared to any other organizations in the league, I feel like they’re the best. They do a really good job of making it genuine and authentic.”
The Magic start their season on Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks at the Kia Center. Orlando won both preseason games at home in 2026, including over their in-state rival Miami Heat.
“I’m just really looking forward to opening night,” Richardson said. “Second year; I think the energy is going to be electric and hopefully we come out with that win.”