Khem Birch made the Orlando Magic roster, achieving a dream of his he was unsure he would accomplish. Now the work begins as Birch tries to keep his spot.
Khem Birch’s career has always been full of challenges.
He went undrafted out of UNLV and latched on with the Miami Heat in training camp. After failing to make that roster, he played for the Sioux Falls SkyForce. When that time ended up, there were no more NBA offers and he went to Turkey to play for Fenerbahce and then to Greece to play for Olympiacos.
As Birch departed for Greece and Euroleague play, he was not sure he would ever get the NBA chance again. He was going out of sight, out of mind for the NBA world it seemed. It was an opportunity to continue playing but the NBA dream may have eluded him.
When the Orlando Magic offered to bring him back for a camp opportunity this summer, he jumped at the chance. He felt he had matured from that first opportunity and he would stick this time around.
When the call finally came Friday night as he walked home from Friday’s preseason finale, only one emotion overcame him. Absolute joy.
"“When you are over there, you never think you are going to come back home,” Birch said after practice Saturday. “The fact that I made it this year is an amazing feeling. I’m not relaxing or anything. I’m still going to work hard like I haven’t made it yet.”"
Birch said he teared up a bit as he got the call before calling his parents and agent to share the great news. He said he did not give a fist bump or shout in joy, but it was clearly an emotional moment.
Birch, the 6-foot-9 post player who had bounced around so much and worked so hard for a second chance in the NBA had made it. But that is just the beginning.
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He certainly earned it, putting in a strong run of preseason play that surely showed itself in camp. He scored 12 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and blocked nine shots in 41 minutes. That comes out to 10.5 points, 14.0 rebounds and 7.9 blocks per 36 minutes.
That production is not sustainable, but Birch was certainly active and made his presence known throughout the preseason. He was willing to mix things up and play physical defense, blocking shots and challenging shots. Coach Frank Vogel praised Khem Birch’s ability to block shots and defend without fouling.
Vogel said Birch is a natural at being the rolling big in the modern NBA, praising his feel for the game. The thing that is clear is this is no ordinary rookie.
"“It was clear to us that Khem separated himself throughout training camp with his ability to do what he does,” Vogel said. “He has a great feel for the game as a big man. He understands the rolling big offensive plan where he is going to crash on everything and be a forceful roller and threat at the rim. But also, he has a good feel for passing, catching the pocket pass and making the extra. And he really showed a surprising level of understanding of what is expected of our centers defensively and a great discipline in blocking shots. He impacted the game with his energy right away when he came into the game. He had a really good camp.”"
Birch certainly learned a lot since his last flirtation with the NBA.
Birch said the game was not as fast this time around after his training camp with the Heat and short professional career overseas. He was able to pick things up because he had that experience and physical maturity he lacked coming out of UNLV. There is still an adjustment to the NBA game Birch has to make.
How he can get everything to translate on the court this year is a big question.
It is unclear just how much Birch is going to play his rookie year. The Magic are loaded at center with Nikola Vucevic, Bismack Biyombo and Marreese Speights also there. Vogel said Birch will spend as much time as possible with the Magic, but he will likely see time in the G-League with the Lakeland Magic.
That is something Birch is willing to do for the team. He said he still needs to build confidence, especially on the offensive end. If he has to go to the G-League to get that confidence, he is fine with doing that.
His natural instincts certainly took over throughout the preseason. But there is definitely still a lot more Birch can do. He still has room to grow.
Birch has arrived, but he has not truly made it yet.
"“I feel like I did the best I could,” Birch said. “But I think I could do way better. I’m never satisfied with what I did. I always feel like I could do better.”"
That attitude will do Birch well. He still has a long road to get playing time and a lot more to prove.
Making the roster is only the first step for him. He still has to grow his game. The Magic will provide the resources for him to continue to get better.
When the opportunity comes for him to play, he will have to be ready. That seems to be in Birch’s wheelhouse most. He seems like he will be someone who can change the game with his energy and put pressure on opponents with his ability to be physical and make an impact around the paint.
"“I’m always going to be ready,” Birch said. “I’m always going to work hard. I’m not going to get satisfied or anything. Right now, I still feel like I haven’t made it. I still feel like I have a lot to do, a lot to gain and a lot to improve on. I’m not satisfied, but still happy to be here.”"
As Vogel said, helping young players achieve this dream is one of the best parts of his job. It is a happy time for Birch to make a NBA roster. But the work is just starting for him. Now he has to keep his spot.
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If he plays with the defensive versatility he played with while overseas and showed flashes of throughout the preseason, he can make an impact in the NBA.