Orlando Magic Daily
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Five takeaways from Orlando Magic Summer League

By Philip Rossman-Reich

SOUTH BEND, IN - FEBRUARY 11: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Florida State Seminoles reaches for the shot put up by Bonzie Colson #35 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on February 11, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Florida State 84-72. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - FEBRUARY 11: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Florida State Seminoles reaches for the shot put up by Bonzie Colson #35 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on February 11, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Florida State 84-72. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Marcus Georges-Hunt grinding

When the Orlando Magic signed Marcus Georges-Hunt and Patricio Garino at the beginning of April, it was an odd decision. The decision was made odder when the team barely played the two. Georges-Hunt played fewer than 50 minutes in five games.

When asked about him, coach Chad Forcier said he did not really have much familiarity with Georges-Hunt from his time with the team. And with a new management group, Georges-Hunt very much was playing for the multi-year contract he signed in April.

Call him one of the most pleasant surprises of the Summer League.

Georges-Hunt played in all five games, averaging 14.0 points per game and 14 total assists (2.8 per game). He shot a 57.5 percent effective field goal percentage. He had obviously worked to improve his outside shooting.

But more than that, Georges-Hunt seems to be a better fit than anticipated for a group that wants to see players with length and positional versatility. Georges-Hunt may not have the elite length the Magic ultimately want, but he has that positional versatility. He can get some steam heading toward the basket and score near the rim or he could dish it out just as easily.

On top of that, he is a strong defender. He spent time guarding all three perimeter positions and even some time at power forward. Georges-Hunt seemed like a perfect fit for whatever ethos the Magic are trying to build.

That is the kind of opportunity Summer League is supposed to provide. Georges-Hunt needed to earn his keep and guarantee himself a spot on this roster. It is safe to say Georges-Hunt did that last week.

Georges-Hunt may not be a straight rotation player. He will have his ups and downs still. But he showed the versatility and skills to get a serious look and make the roster.