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2019 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Wesley Iwundu

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 6: Wes Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic warms-up before 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) *** Local Caption *** Wes Iwundu
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 6: Wes Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic warms-up before 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) *** Local Caption *** Wes Iwundu /
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Wesley Iwundu, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 9: Wes Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket against the Phoenix Suns 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) /

What Could Go Wrong

The question for Wesley Iwundu now is the same one that followed him from college.

Iwundu has to prove himself as an offensive player and shooter to take over a full role in the NBA. And the future for Iwundu is not exactly certain. Not fully at least.

Last year, Iwundu struggled offensively. It was more than just his 3.7 points per game or 8.1 points per 36 minutes. It was his shooting too.

Iwundu shot just 42.7 percent from the floor and 19.6 percent from beyond the arc. Shooting and scoring was not Iwundu’s forte in college. He shot 33.8 percent from beyond the arc for his career. But his solid junior year — 37.6 percent from beyond the arc — suggested he might be able to take a step up.

It felt like the NBA was starting over with Iwundu’s shot.

To be sure, even in a smaller role, Iwundu has to be at least a reliable shooter to make his way on the floor. Almost all of his 3-pointers were open, according to NBA.com’s player tracking statistics, and he shot just 18.4 percent on 3-pointers with a defender six or more feet away from him.

All this is to say, Iwundu was someone opposing teams could leave open and feel comfortable he would miss the shot. That is not a good thing for any player. Especially on a team without great shooting to begin with and especially in a league where shooting is at a huge premium.

Iwundu will eventually go as far as his shooting will take him. And his first year was not encouraging on that front.

Orlando is already adding other defensive-minded players who can do what Iwundu can do at that spot — even at Iwundu’s position. The pressure and roster crunch are already starting to build on him.

That does not mean it is time to give up on Iwundu in his second year. But the NBA does not wait for anyone to develop. You have to be able to provide something.

So the concern for Iwundu entering his second year is that his defense is only solid but not enough to cover up his shooting deficiencies.

Iwundu will have to prove he can take steps as a shooter this year for him to continue making progress in his career.