Former Magic (14-5) guard Terrence Ross was at the game and in the front row. Ross, who played six-plus seasons with Orlando (2017–2023), announced his retirement on Friday on his podcast, The T.Ross Podcast.  Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley was happy to see Ross courtside and even interacted with him at one point during the game.

“Sitting courtside, I looked over at him, and he gave a thumbs up as they ran some of their sets,” Mosley said. “It was so great to see him out there. I mean, he just brought such great joy to this group. I mean, he’s been in the gym and the locker room with these guys. So, they look up to him; they’re still in chats together. I think he’s such a great veteran for our guys. With a young group when he was here, it was great to have him.”

Across Ross’ seven years with the Magic, he averaged 12.7 points, 1.7 assists, and three rebounds per game. He had the best stretch of his career as a sixth-man for the Magic from 2018-19 to 2020-21, when he averaged over 14 points per game in each season.

Ross and Orlando agreed to a buyout last season, and he signed with the Phoenix Suns where he played 21 games and averaged nine points per game. The former Magic guard also spent the first five seasons of his NBA career with the Toronto Raptors (2012–13–2016–17).

“I was so happy to see him today,” Wagner said. “We’ve had a nice little vibe going on on that bench unit for two years, and he’s a great guy. I love that he had somewhat of a joy that he brought to the game of basketball. [He] wouldn’t really worry, just playing hoop, and obviously what he could do with his jumping ability and scoring ability was pretty impressive to observe and be on the court with, so yeah, he’s helped me a lot, and I’m happy he found peace with his career.”