Anthony Brown’s 10-day contract ends, with impressions made
The Orlando Magic opted not to renew Anthony Brown‘s 10-day contract. Despite his rare playing time in the last week, he made an impression on the team.
When the Orlando Magic returned from Minneapolis on Tuesday afternoon, they returned one player short — contractually speaking at least.
Anthony Brown’s 10-day contract with the Magic expired Tuesday. And with the Magic’s injury glut resolving itself with Evan Fournier‘s return, the Magic opted not to renew his contract for a second 10-day deal.
Brown will return to play for the Erie BayHawks and his stellar season in the D-League.
That does not mean Brown did not leave an impression on the Magic. And should the need for another D-League player come up, coach Frank Vogel said he would have no qualms giving Brown another 10-day contract.
“I was impressed with him in our time,” Vogel said. “I didn’t spend a ton of time with him. You don’t realize until you have those guys in front of you, how much you get a feel for someone. He did well for us this week in practices and he got in a few garbage time situations and made some plays that impressed. I have no problem calling him up again if we need to.”
Brown appeared in two games, scoring 19 points across 16 minutes. He made four of his nine shots. These were all in garbage time, though. Brown never appeared in meaningful minutes. It is hard to take much out of it.
Still, Brown looked comfortable on the floor. He certainly looked like he belonged on a NBA floor and intrigued enough to merit closer attention.
Brown, in reality, was brought to Orlando to provide an extra body in practice. With Evan Fournier and Jodie Meeks out, the Magic were extremely thin on the perimeter. They would need some players simply to practice.
If Brown was to make an impression, it likely would have to come in practice. It appears he did. Vogel said if the Magic needed to call someone up from the D-League again.
Orlando Magic
Brown officially rejoined the BayHawks on Thursday. While Magic fans may not have seen very much of what Brown can do, he has had a stellar season so far.
Brown is averaging 21.6 points per game while shooting a 54.4 percent effective field goal percentage. The 6-foot-7 guard has lit up the scoreboard for the BayHawks, well worth the top overall pick. According to the D-League’s Web site, Brown was the third-best prospect in the league when he was called up.
Getting Brown in Orlando and in person with the coaching staff is going to be very valuable for him. It could well improve his chances of staying with the franchise into Summer League and possibly getting a training camp invite with the team.
“He didn’t play a lot for us, but I think there is real value to having those guys in front of you in practice and shaking his hand, in film sessions and communicating with him,” Vogel said. “You get a feel for what kind of people they are. You get a feel for their real size and speed levels and shooting ability.”
Brown was the last cut for the Los Angeles Lakers this past season and started the year with the New Orleans Pelicans. He should remain on a lot of teams’ radar. And he may very well get a 10-day contract someplace else too.
By all accounts, his experience in Orlando was a positive one. One where he put in the work in practice and impressed the coaching staff with his abilities and willingness to learn.
If the Magic need another 10-day contract later in the year, it would not be surprising to see the team sign Brown and possibly keep him for the rest of the year.
Stephen Zimmerman Update
This seems like a good time and place to give a brief update on Stephen Zimmerman.
The Magic sent Zimmerman to play for the Erie BayHawks on Jan. 11 and has played eight games for the BayHawks since then.
Zimmerman is averaging 12.4 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game. His production has certainly slowed down some from his first stint in Erie. And it has not helped the BayHawks are 1-7 in their last eight games.
Things have certainly been a mixed bag for him.
In 20 games total in the D-League, Zimmerman is averaging 13.6 points per game and 9.0 rebounds per game.
Next: Aaron Gordon returning to dunk contest
The Magic drafted Zimmerman in the secound round of last year’s draft knowing full well he was a project. The plan was for him to spend long periods of time with the D-League. It will be interesting to see when the Magic recall him back to Orlando and give him some opportunity with the main roster.