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2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Khem Birch

By Jean Racine

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 6: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers battles Evan Fournier #10 and Khem Birch #24 of the Orlando Magic during the game at the Amway Center on February 6, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Cavaliers 116 to 98. 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 Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 6: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers battles Evan Fournier #10 and Khem Birch #24 of the Orlando Magic during the game at the Amway Center on February 6, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Cavaliers 116 to 98. 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 Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Khem Birch, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 3: Khem Birch #24 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket during the game against the Washington Wizards on February 3, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Good and the Bad

Per Game Table
G MP FG% FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK PTS
42 13.8 .540 .689 1.7 2.6 4.3 0.8 0.4 0.5 4.2

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/5/2018.

Khem Birch made the most of his opportunities this past season. He only averaged 13.8 minutes per game and played in just 42 games, with zero starts. But Birch averaged 11.1 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per 36 minutes. All numbers that stack up well against other starting defensive-minded centers in the NBA.

But Birch is not just all defense. He is good around the rim at catching passes and finishing. Birch displayed the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack off the dribble.

He had plenty of strong moments where he looked like the best center on the team. Certainly on defense.

Birch was not a typical rookie. He came into the league with plenty of professional experience and it showed. He had an advanced understanding of defensive rotations and how to stand up to drivers.

There were several occasions when Birch simply walled off the paint. He understood principles of verticality extremely well and could challenge shots with his body and long arms rather than trying to block shots all the time. The team’s 104.5 defensive rating with Khem Birch on the floor was the third-best mark (behind only Jonathan Isaac and Marreese Speights).

And that came mostly with the Magic’s weakened bench units.

By the end of the year, everyone was calling for Birch to play more. And Vogel was even trying to force him into lineups. Even if it was outside his natural position.

Birch still has improvement to make on offense though. He does not have a jump shot or much of a post game. He shot 23 percent from 0-3 feet and 15 percent from 10-16 feet.

His 3-point shot is non-existent. Today, we are seeing more and more centers stretch the floor with their shooting and the 3-point line is within their range.