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2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Wesley Iwundu

By Ryan Doyle

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 20: David Nwaba #11 of the Chicago Bulls puts up a shot past Wesley Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic at the United Center on December 20, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Magic 112-94. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 20: David Nwaba #11 of the Chicago Bulls puts up a shot past Wesley Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic at the United Center on December 20, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Magic 112-94. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Wesley Iwundu, Orlando Magic, New York Knicks
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 3: Wesley Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket against the New York Knicks on April 3, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Good and the Bad

Per Game Table
G GS MP FG% 3P% eFG% FT% TRB AST STL BLK TOV PTS
62 12 16.5 .427 .196 .447 .723 2.2 0.9 0.5 0.2 0.5 3.7

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 4/30/2018.

The best part about Wesley Iwundu’s season was the opportunity he received thanks to the rest of the team’s struggles. Injuries and losing allowed for young players like Iwundu to receive a ton of playing time. It is not often a second-round pick plays nearly 20 minutes per game in his rookie season.

Thankfully, Iwundu played well enough to stay NBA bound for most of the season. He averaged 3.7 points per game, 0.9 assists per game and 2.2 rebounds per game as a second unit player.

Although his numbers do not jump off the stat sheet, Iwundu played within himself in 2018. He did not chuck up 3-point shots or turn the ball over like rookies tend to do. He played with controlled energy and to his strengths.

All of his focus was on the defensive end, which is where he made a name for himself at the college level.

Orlando’s coaching staff rarely wanted Iwundu to pull the trigger on offense. They wanted to see the offense come to him so he could make the easy pass, or put up an open shot.

Statistically, the Magic’s 104.9 defensive rating with Iwundu on the floor seems poor, but he was on one of the worst defensive teams in the league and it definitely made an impact.

The defensive potential was apparent and he can still improve on that end as he carves out a role for himself.

On the negative side, Iwundu brought next to nothing offensively. He failed to make strides on his outside shot and was overall ineffective when it came to scoring. It was almost like he was hesitant to shoot at times.

He managed to stay out of the way on offense, making the right pass and occasionally dishing an assist. But his offense was not where he made his money last season.

He made some memorable plays in transition last season on both ends of the floor. He managed to slow down fast breaks and at least force the opposition to take a tough shot. ON the offensive end he used his speed to set teammates for lobs.

Iwundu became acclimated with the NBA life. He was given an opportunity which most second-round picks will never receive. Luckily, he made the most of it.