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The importance of Wesley Iwundu to the Orlando Magic

By John Black

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 28: Wesley Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic stretches prior to the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 28, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 28: Wesley Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic stretches prior to the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 28, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic have won three out of their last four games. Thanks in part to forward Wesley Iwundu being reintegrated to the team’s rotation.

Second-year forward Wesley Iwundu is not a flashy player.

His stats in the box score are underwhelming. So far this season he is averaging only 4.6 points per game, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. His plus/minus on some nights is downright appalling.

A quick glance at Wesley Iwundu’s averages and stat lines may lend itself to the string of DNPs next to his name. But his numbers do not tell the whole story.

Iwundu plays within himself on the court. It is probably the biggest positive of his game.

Rarely, if ever, does he force shots on the offensive end and his defensive effort always stands out. Iwundu is a consistent and reliable role player. You know what you are going to get from him.

While his minutes recently stem from injuries to D.J. Augustin and Jonathan Simmons, his effect on the game is undeniable.

Wesley Iwundu has become someone coach Steve Clifford can turn to when needed and put in the rotation for stability. Even though he is the ninth or 10th man in the rotation, he has become a key member of the team.

Since being reinserted into the rotation four games ago, the Orlando Magic are 3-1. It is certainly not all to Iwundu’s credit — the Magic have been playing better overall (shooting better than 48 percent from the field and holding opponents to just less than 41 percent). But he has certainly helped Orlando play much more smoothly and efficiently.

During Wednesday night’s game against the Chicago Bulls, Iwundu only attempted two shots the entire game, making one of two. He made his first shot toward the end of the first quarter off of an assist from Terrence Ross. Iwundu caught the ball late in the shot clock and calmly drained a contested mid-range jumper.

It was the kind of confident stroke that Iwundu did not have last year. When he entered the league, the biggest question he faced was about his jumper. He already had the reputation as a grinder defensively and perhaps someone who could create his own shot.

Despite three years in college, Iwundu still had a lot of development to go. Even if his defensive instincts were solid and he could hold his own on that end of the floor.

But his confidence has grown this year. He is more willing to take those shots. But he still is selective. When the comfort is not there, he is able to take a few dribbles in and shoot the mid-range shot or get to the basket.

Despite not attempting many shots Wednesday, Iwundu was able to get to the free throw line four times for the second consecutive game (the most attempts in both contests for the Magic). His driving aggression is something the Magic desperately need. Orlando ranks dead last in free throws attempted per game with only 18.4.

It would be easy for a player to become frustrated only hearing their number called twice on the offensive end, but Iwundu’s calm composure has yet to crack. This is what has served him well as he has gone in and out of the rotation. Coach Steve Clifford said before moving him back into the rotation he would love to find Wesley Iwundu more minutes, but it is hard to get him that time with other veteran players on the roster.

When Clifford did call Iwundu’s name, he more than delivered.

Iwundu stays aggressive on the defensive end and beautifully spaces the floor on the offensive side of the ball. Iwundu is Orlando’s spark plug. He provides the necessary energy and intensity to keep the team on track.

His play has remained similar since his days with the Kansas State Wildcats.

Year after year he improved. But at the height of his collegiate career, Iwundu only averaged 13.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists. They are certainly not All-American numbers, but they were enough to convince the Magic to take him with the 33rd overall pick in the 2017 draft.

He has proven valuable to the Magic during the past season and a half, and especially in the past four games.

Think of the Orlando Magic team as a machine. The big parts of the machine catch the attention. In the Magic’s case, it is Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon. But the machine needs the gears to keep it moving steadily.

Next. Orlando Magic's New Year's Resolution: Find Consistency. dark

For the Magic that is Wesley Iwundu.