Orlando Magic Daily
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5 questions that remain for Orlando Magic at preseason’s midpoint

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 7: Jordan Mickey #25 of the Miami Heat goes to the basket against the Orlando Magic during a preseason game on October 8, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 7: Jordan Mickey #25 of the Miami Heat goes to the basket against the Orlando Magic during a preseason game on October 8, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Khem Birch, Orlando Magic, Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 7: Khem Birch #24 of the Orlando Magic battles for position against Erik McCree #22 and Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat during a preseason game on October 8, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images) /

How do the Orlando Magic fill out the roster?

The Orlando Magic have 14 players on guaranteed contracts in camp. The Magic just signed Rodney Purvis to a training camp invite — although he seems likely to head to Lakeland to play in the G-League. Orlando still has one two-way slot open.

But there is still a lot of competition at the end of the roster. And a lot of players fighting for that last spot. Not to mention guys fighting for playing time.

With the Magic likely to use bench guys more heavily on the Texas back to back beginning Monday night, the end of the roster will take a special focus.

So far, it seems like coach Frank Vogel has a good handle on what players can do. But there are still some players who can separate themselves.

"“I’ve seen good things from all of our guys,” Vogel told Orlando Magic Daily. “Khem Birch has really played well. We all know what [Damjan Rudez] can do. Wesley [Iwundu] as a rookie has shown me some flashes about how he can contribute this year. Simms [Jonathon Simmons], Mario [Hezonja], Arron Afflalo, I feel good about what they can do in those positions. I feel good about our depth.”"

Depth is definitely a good thing. This is all a good problem for a coach to have. But there are real fights going on to make the roster.

The biggest standout is Khem Birch.

Birch has been able to mix things up defensively and is always active around the basket. He struggles on offense and is very similar to Bismack Biyombo in that regard. But fans have been surprised with how he has played. Birch is the kind of versatile big the Magic have sought.

But where does he fit on the roster? The team has Nikola Vucevic, Bismack Biyombo and Marreese Speights clogging the center position. It is not likely the Magic will move any of those players any time soon.

Birch’s contract should enable the Magic to turn him into a two-way contract fairly easily. But his play has impressed. It seems fans would be upset if he is not involved with the team in some way.

There is still a very real chance Damjan Rudez makes the roster. Vogel is comfortable with him and the team likes Rudez in the locker room. Not to mention, the Magic still need his shooting. For whatever it is worth.

Kalin Lucas has been OK in his time on the floor. Troy Caupain has yet to play for the Magic.

It would seem the last roster spot will come down to Birch and Rudez.

But there are plenty of other rotation decisions to get to. Like how to use Wesley Iwundu best. He may indeed spend plenty of time in the G-League this year. But there has been plenty to like with him. Like Birch, he is not afraid to mix things up defensively.

Next: Orlando Magic Daily Podcast: National Perceptions

There is plenty good to see at the end of the bench. Of course, that is the minutia of the preseason.