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Orlando Magic begin paring roster, cut Keith Appling and Jordan Sibert

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 27, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Keith Appling (11) during practice for the east regional of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Keith Appling (11) during practice for the east regional of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic are begin to pare the roster down to the maximum 15, cutting Keith Appling and Jordan Sibert on Monday.

The Orlando Magic enter the final week of preseason with still a lot to do and the hope of seeing a more realistic rotation and combinations take the floor in the final two preseason games. It also means beginning to cut down the roster to the required 15 players.

The Magic began that process announcing they have waived training camp invitees Keith Appling and Jordan Sibert. They are both expected to play for Erie in the D-League once they clear waivers.

Both players had received very sparing playing time so far in the preseason. Appling has totaled just 43 minutes, making one of eight shots for six points. Sibert has played just 30 minutes, making 1 of 10 shots for three points.

Seeing the Magic drop either of these players is really no surprise. Even when the Magic signed them, it was expected the Magic would have them on the training camp roster to provide them an extra guarantee financially and then cut them to play in Erie for the year. Bayhawks coach Bill Peterson has been in Orlando working with the Magic coaching staff.

Again, the move was not surprising.

However, there was some initial intrigue in Appling. After his strong showing during Orlando’s Summer League run, there was some belief Appling could challenge for the third point guard spot. That may have stopped when the Magic acquired Shabazz Napier in a trade late in the summer.

Through it all, though, the Magic appear still to want Appling in their program. He was a big member of Erie’s team last year, averaging 10.5 points and 3.9 assists per game last season. There is still growth potential in this bullish defender (sometimes a bit over eager as he has a tendency to foul too much).

Staying with Peterson’s program and guidance should help him continue to grow and stay on the Magic’s radar for next season.

The other question that remains after these cuts is who is next for the Magic. The Magic currently have 17 players on the roster. They will have to cut that down to 15 and they may even prefer to carry 14.

It is safe to assume that Greg Stiemsma, who played his first game with the Magic on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro after suffering a preseason injury, will likely get cut. It also seems pretty safe the Magic will cut Nnanna Egwu and have him spend the season in Erie as well. Although Egwu’s rebounding and shot blocking may be a nice luxury to have on the bench.

The final roster spot it seems is up to Devyn Marble and Melvin Ejim, although the Magic could keep both if they want to carry 15 players on the roster. Marble has played better in games this preseason and has an added year of NBA experience. Ejim has struggled some in games, but has put in a very solid preseason and impressed the Magic throughout the summer.

The Magic have until the end of the week to make final roster decisions. But it appears the Magic are now gearing up for the regular season with the final week of preseason games.

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