Where is Wesley Iwundu’s future?
And that leads to the big question facing Wesley Iwundu this year.
He is a second-round pick of the current management group and shows enough promise to continue being intrigued. But the league really does not wait. There are new players entering the team and the franchise. And the pressure is constantly at a high.
Add on that Iwundu’s contract has a team option for next season and already the clock is ticking on Iwundu to show he is a NBA player.
Orlando did not help matters, drafting a similar player with its second-round pick this year. An eerily similar player.
Melvin Frazier had a similar college trajectory to Wesley Iwundu. He was a mainly defensive player who struggled to shoot until he was an upperclassman with more offensive responsibilities. Both their games grew slowly until a sudden burst just before they declared for the NBA Draft.
Orlando Magic
The Magic drafted Melvin Frazier. So it is hard to see the team not willing to invest some time in him. Whether it is this year or next year. That does not bode well for Iwundu and his chances to stick on the roster.
Not unless he proves his worth and turns the pressure onto the rookie Frazier to prove he belongs in the NBA.
None of this is new. This is the natural progression of things in the league. Every year is a constant effort to prove yourself. Iwundu is going to learn that a lot this year.
It is still pretty hard to figure out where the Magic see Iwundu in their future plans. Especially with the other roster moves the team made. He certainly seems like the kind of player the Magic want to build with. Versatile and defensive minded. He will work hard and give himself the chance to make it. That much we know about Iwundu.
But what direction is he headed with this team? He has to prove himself this season.