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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, Washington Wizards
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 23: Wesley Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Washington Wizards on December 23, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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
Orlando Magic /

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.