Whether it’s been Trevelin Queen or Kevon Harris, the Magic have received necessary relief from various two-way players over the years under coach Jamahl Mosley.
The latest example this season comes in the form of two-way forward Jamal Cain.
Prior to Wednesday’s matinee contest at Indiana, Cain had appeared in five consecutive games as injuries within the Orlando locker room piled up.
That’s often how two-way players around the league see the court.
“We’re like the security blankets,” Cain recently told the Orlando Sentinel in the locker room about two-way players.
Two-way contracts allow teams to carry three extra players in addition to the 15 on their regular-season roster. Those players will go between the NBA and G League, but they’re limited to 50 NBA games.
So far this season, Cain has appeared in 10 NBA games, averaging 2.7 points in 8 minutes of action per night. He’s been active six other times.
While that type of scoring output doesn’t scream impact, it’s also not what Orlando is asking from him. Instead, the Magic have turned to him for his hustle plays and dynamic defense as a 6-foot-7 forward.
AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski
Orlando Magic forward Jamal Cain (8) gets the ball on a fast break against the Miami Heat during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game on Oct. 12, 2025, in Orlando. (Kevin Kolczynski/Asscoiated Press)
He’s recorded three steals in the past four games.
It’s in the G League where Cain shows off his offensive skillset. During nine games with Osceola during the Tip-Off Tournament, he averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks in 32.8 minutes per night.
“That’s one thing that I get a lot of questions on,” Cain said about going back and forth between Orlando and Osceola. “Which team are you on? How do you know if you’re going to be with the Magic or not?
“Just in case someone gets hurt, we’ll be looked upon to produce,” he added.
While that type of uncertainty can be confounding for some players, it’s a role Cain has grown accustomed to as he’s searched to earn a standard NBA contract in the league.
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Undrafted out of Oakland, Cain spent the first two years of his career on a two-way contract with the Heat. Last season on a two-way with New Orleans, Cain scored in double figures nine times and had 20-plus points twice.
Still, it’s a position that is naturally challenging to be in, even if he’s with Orlando on the bench.
“The mental part of it,” Cain said when asked what is the hardest part about being a two-way player. “Some games, you might not play until the second half and (during) that first half, you’re thinking you might not get minutes.
“The normal human behavior is to not be as focused as you should,” he added. “That’s one of the hardest things: staying engaged in the game, knowing you probably won’t play.”
After this season, Cain will no longer be eligible to sign a two-way contract in the future. Only players with fewer than four years of NBA experience can sign a two-way contract with a team, and this season is his fourth.
It’s why any chance he gets on the court with Orlando, he doesn’t take it for granted.
“Since I’ve been in the league, I’ve been staying ready,” Cain said. “I’m always working on my game. I’m always in the gym, so I will always be prepared.
“Just trying to do whatever it takes to help the team get wins.”
Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com
Up next …
Magic at Bulls
When: 8 p.m., Friday, United Center
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Florida