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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
WASHINGTON, DC –  JANUARY 12: Wesley Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards on January 12, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2019 Outlook

Second round picks rarely have anything guaranteed. They are constantly fighting for their place on the team even with the hefty investment teams put in them.

Wesley Iwundu will again find himself fighting to stay in the league and prove his worth. Especially with the Magic also investing some in some other talented young wings in Rodney Purvis and Jamel Artis. They all have to prove themselves over again.

Iwundu’s statistical output was, again, not that impressive. He made his mark defensively throughout the season. But even then there was still something left wanting. Especially for a player with his collegiate experience.

The question for Iwundu is just how much he can grow. If he can become a halfway decent 3-point shooter, that helps a ton. And that makes him a valuable player who has staying power in the league.

But, far too often this year it looked like Iwundu was not confident taking his shot. Even when open. And when he did shoot, his shot often looked wayward. He had some bad misses.

The Magic hoped Iwundu would continue his upward trend with his jump shooting that he showed through his three years at Kansas State. The longer 3-point line likely put a bit of a halt to that progression. Now he has to pick it up again.

To be sure, Iwundu will show just what he can do and how far he has come by the time Summer League rolls around in July. That will be a big proving ground for him. A check up on his progress and a chance for him to show publicly what he will give the Magic when the season rolls around.

Orlando is not in the position to give up on any of its young players at this point. Despite any of Iwundu’s apparent weaknesses, he has certainly shown enough to keep investing in him for a bit longer.