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Khem Birch appears to have a busy summer ahead

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 6: Khem Birch #24 of the Orlando Magic during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers 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: Khem Birch #24 of the Orlando Magic during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers 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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Orlando Magic center Khem Birch showed plenty of potential in his limited time as a rookie. Between Summer League and Team Canada, he’ll have a lot to do.

Everyone often says the most important summer for a developing player is the year between his rookie and his second year in the NBA. Just look at how Jonathan Isaac seems to be bursting out of his practice jersey.

A lot of that focus has been on Jonathan Isaac and seeing just how much strength he can gain and how much he can add to his game after his stunted rookie season. Expectations are high for him as he enters Summer League in July. Everyone wants to see that checkup.

But what do you do if you are a rookie, but already established? How do you take that next step in your career?

Khem Birch’s path to the NBA was not a typical one. The 25-year-old was unable to make a NBA roster right out of college. He went to the D-League for a year. Then played in Europe. He got better year after year, becoming one of the best players in Euroleague.

That is when he jumped back to the NBA, calling it the time right. Even if it meant a massive reduction in his role and probably pay.

The Orlando Magic signed him and did not seem to have a lot of room for him. He was an interesting player and someone who could make an impact, but he needed time.

He got that time later in the season. When he got that time, he made a clear impact.

Whether that was the 12-point, 10-rebound and 4-block performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves or any of the other subtle impact games he had, Birch was screaming for playing time the Magic did not have for him.

Orlando likely will retain him again this year. Why wouldn’t the team keep a player on a second-round pick’s minimum contract? But, again, Birch will have to prove himself and find a way to beat higher salaried players for playing time.

Despite plenty of evidence Khem Birch was making a positive impact (not to mention a completely lost season), he often played behind Bismack Biyombo.

This summer, though, Birch will get plenty of opportunities to show his new coaches exactly what he can do in major minutes.

Birch will likely play in the Magic’s summer league in Las Vegas as a second-year player. But he will also take part in Team Canada qualifiers for the FIBA World Cup in September.

Team Canada announced Birch would be part of its roster pool for two exhibition games in Canada in late June and World Cup Qualifying Games in September.

Notably, Miami Heat forward Kelly Olynyk, Indiana Pacers guard Cory Joseph and former Orlando Magic forward Andrew Nicholson dot a relatively loaded roster. Canada is pushing in to make the FIBA World Cup, the team’s first major international competition since 2010.

Canada has slowly built a cache of NBA-caliber players. It seems like that generation is ready to enter the fray on the world stage very soon.

That will keep Birch plenty busy this summer as he looks to improve his game.

Obviously, as an older rookie, Birch has developed about as much as he can. He will likely be working to improve his jumper so he can be a better offensively. Birch might already be the best pick-and-roll defender on the roster. He comfortably switched out to guards throughout the Magic’s season.

The NBA Playoffs have shown that versatility is extremely valuable.

Next: Orlando Magic Daily Mock Draft: Memorial Day Checkup

Birch will have to continue improving this all on his own. He will get plenty of game experience to get it done between Team Canada and the Magic’s Summer League.