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2019 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Khem Birch

By Philip Rossman-Reich

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Khem Birch #24 and Wesley Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic box out Boban Marjanovic #51 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of the NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Khem Birch #24 and Wesley Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic box out Boban Marjanovic #51 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of the NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /
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Khem Birch, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 3: Khem Birch #24 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket during the game against the Washington Wizards on February 3, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Overall Outlook

Khem Birch was really impressive in his rookie year when he got on the floor. For a team that has lacked consistent front-line defensive play, Birch felt like a breath of fresh air. At his best, he was a dominant defensive force.

Even at his average, it felt like Birch was someone the team could rely on for solid defense. That was all the team needed. He had the versatility, length and rim protection that the center position calls for.

Birch’s biggest problem was receiving consistent minutes. There just was not any reliable time to give to Birch to have him develop and grow. Not in the way that will help him in his future NBA career.

The Orlando Magic did very little to relieve those problems this season. Orlando is still too loaded at center to guarantee Birch any minutes. He will have to fight for every minute. Or he will have had to expand his offensive repertoire this summer to play more at power forward.

It feels like that is a big ask for a player with a rudimentary offensive game and is more known for being a wall in the paint defensively and blocking shots. Birch likely does not have the speed and versatility to play much at power forward.

For a change, it feels like the Magic have too much talent. But Birch is undoubtedly a valuable player the Magic should try to find a way to carve out some role. Of course, that has to get earned too.

But last year, Birch showed on the floor he had earned the benefit of the doubt. He earned trust to believe that he could contribute a lot on the defensive end. Now it is about finding a way to get him on the floor.

Maybe the answer is much simpler. And Birch should just play, providing he earns it or gives the team what it needs best at that moment. Of course, the solution is not that simple. And Birch will again be fighting for his chance and waiting to take advantage of whatever opportunity comes his way.

Next. 2019 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Evan Fournier. dark

If last year proved anything, he can and will do that.