Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: Summer League Takeaways

By Philip Rossman-Reich

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns and Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic look on during the game during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns and Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic look on during the game during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Isaiah Briscoe, Portland Trail Blazers
PORTLAND, OR – OCTOBER 5: Isaiah Briscoe #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers goes for a lay up during the game against the Toronto Raptors during a preseason game on October 5, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Who else stood out to you during Summer League for the Orlando Magic?

Henderson: I think the Orlando Magic have finally taken a step closer to their rebuild and may not be as far as they were a couple years ago. Although the Magic have potential during the 2015 Summer League, there were key players of the core that were hurt like Aaron Gordon which ultimately destroyed the on-court chemistry formed during the offseason. This year Jonathan Isaac has formed an on-court bond with fellow teammate Mohamed Bamba which will go a long way as they grow together.

Rossman-Reich: I did not know what to think about Isaiah Briscoe when the Orlando Magic signed him. I knew the name from his time with the Kentucky Wildcats but did not think much of him as a NBA prospect. In his two games during Summer League, I upgraded him to intriguing.

I loved how he cut through and drove through defenses. He has a good scorer’s knack and mentality. There are still the big questions about him — his shot selection and passing ability are still legitimate questions. But he seems like he can drive and create a bit. Something the Magic need. He could be an interesting option for the Magic off the bench.

Palmer: I will give you one good and one bad. On the good side: Isaiah Briscoe looked like a tough defender. He fought through screens very well and showed some nice handles, including one hesitation move that froze three separate defenders.

On the down side: Wesley Iwundu looked pretty poor. For Wesley Iwundu to succeed in the NBA, it is crucial for him to develop a consistent 3-point shot. But based on Summer League, there was little to no progress in that area. Iwundu was hesitant to shoot and when he did it looked like the same form that provided last year’s 16 percent mark from three.

The rest of Iwundu’s issues in Summer League can be summed up as being asked to do too much. The burden of trying to create offense led to some really poor decisions. Good news for Iwundu is that he will not have to worry about creating offense on the normal Orlando roster.