Finding the next Dewayne Dedmon D-League call up

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Mar 10, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Orlando Magic center Stephen Zimmerman (33) dunks the ball against the Charlotte Hornets in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Magic 121-81. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

With the season winding down and a playoff spot well out of reach, it is time for the Orlando Magic to look for some future help from the D-League.

With their disappointing season nearing its conclusion, the Orlando Magic have seemingly begun the evaluation stage of the season.

Recently, Jeff Green has missed games due to back spasms. In turn former top-five pick Mario Hezonja has seen his minutes shoot back up at his new backup power forward spot in his stead. This move has slid Jodie Meeks down to the three spot and C.J. Watson to the two spot off the bench.

It is obviously not ideal for a developing team to commit to veterans — especially veteran free agents who may not be part of the team’s future.

With the Magic clearly entering the “see what you have” mode it certainly makes a lot of sense for the team to begin looking to the D-League for some wing help off the bench. At the very least, it is an opportunity to develop young talent and reserve them for Summer League or training camp next year. That is if there is anyone worth calling up.

This “see what you have” mode has paid off for the Magic in recent years, in the form of now-San Antonio Spurs starting center Dewayne Dedmon.

Currently, the Magic have C.J. Watson and Jodie Meeks playing the wing off the bench. Both of these veterans have struggled with injuries with the Magic. But they also have contracts that either expire or are not guaranteed next season. It is hard to say they will be part of the team’s future next season.

Logically then if the Magic are indeed looking toward the future, it makes sense for the Magic to try and see what one of the top D-League guys has in the tank with their empty roster spot in the last eight games this season.

Oddly enough, as of March 21 the Magic were the only team in the NBA with an open roster spot, but with no D-League player on a 10-day contract.

Teams with an available roster spot:

Brooklyn*
Dallas*
New Orleans*
Orlando
Phoenix*

*= Has a player on a 10-Day contract
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) March 21, 2017

With no obvious parts of the future playing off the bench at the wing right now, it is time for the Magic to consider signing somebody to a 10-day contract and giving a new player a look on this roster

But who should the Magic sign? Let’s take a look at a couple of good fits.