Orlando Magic Rumors: Orlando Magic signing Amile Jefferson to two-way contract

The Orlando Magic appear set to sign their second two-way contract player, adding former Duke Blue Devils big man Amile Jefferson to the lineup.

The final two-way contract spot for the Orlando Magic this coming season appears to be accounted for. Shams Charania of Yahoo! Sports reports the team will sign Iowa Wolves and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Amile Jefferson to the team’s second two-way contract. Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel confirmed the deal.

Jefferson’s statistics in the G-League last year were extremely impressive. He led the league in rebounding with 12.9 per game in 47 games. Jefferson averaged 17.8 points per game too, shooting 62.5 percent from the floor.

The 6-foot-9 power forward was a stalwart for the Iowa Wolves in the same way he was a stalwart for the Duke Blue Devils in his four-year career. He averaged 10.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per game his senior year.

If there is one thing Jefferson was known for with the Blue Devils, it was his ability to defend and rebound. He is a guy who does the little things and that obviously has made him valuable for the G-League.

Jefferson kept up his strong play from last year’s run with the Timberwolves in Summer League. For Minnesota, he averaged 8.6 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. That mark also led the Summer League in rebounding.

Rebounding is usually something that translates well through any level. Jefferson has always been a grinder and someone who will dig out rebounds.

At the very least, that seems worth a closer look. And considering Jefferson got a late call-up to play for the Timberwolves last year after the G-League season ended, he was probably someone several teams were hoping could fill this spot.

The Magic certainly have a need at power forward where Jefferson could likely fill in. The team has Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac to help platoon that spot. And they just acquired Jarell Martin to help bolster the team’s depth at the position.

Jefferson also could play center where the team has a huge glut of players competing for minutes.

But most of Jefferson’s time this year will be with the Lakeland Magic. On a two-way contract, Jefferson can spend no more than 45 days with the team during the G-League season. The majority of his time will be with Lakeland then.

Both Amile Jefferson and the Magic’s other two-way player Troy Caupain have shown they can dominate and play well at the G-League level. And they both have skills that any team would want. They are clearly two players the Magic are happy to keep investing in.

Whether they will make an impact on the Magic’s main roster this year or beyond remains to be seen.

In Jefferson, Orlando gets a grinder and someone who will defend and do the dirty work. The perfect kind of player to give a two-way contract opportunity to.