Wesley Iwundu was a promising rookie who was very rough around the edges last year. Now he looks more like a 3-and-D player who can contribute long term.
The NBA can be very cruel.
If you are a second-round pick, the pressure to perform early and prove your worth is even greater. There are seldom any guarantees for players taken in the second round and they have to prove themselves over and over again.
It goes double for a player like Wesley Iwundu who spent three years in college and figured to be a more readymade player.
Of course, that was not the case. He slipped to the second round because he displayed a ton of defensive acumen and an improving jump shot. But no one was going to confuse Wesley Iwundu for a knock-down shooter. In fact, teams were more than happy to let him fire away from three.
Just like his development late in his college career, his NBA career was completely dependent on his ability to develop as a shooter.
The Orlando Magic seemingly decided to hedge their bets, drafting a similar player in Melvin Frazier Both made reputations in college with their athleticism, length and defense and their inability to put the ball in the basket.
That was the pressure facing Iwundu when he returned to the team this offseason. He had no guaranteed spot in the rotation and pressure beneath him on the roster. His Summer League play did not generate much confidence either as he struggled to shoot in Las Vegas.
Iwundu would succeed under all this pressure and scrutiny. He made an early impression on coach Steve Clifford and only a predilection for the more veteran Jonathon Simmons kept him out of the rotation early on in the season.
When Iwundu did get a chance, it was clear Clifford did not want to keep him off the floor. He was the ultimate utility tool.
He did finally enter the rotation and became a key role player for the Magic. He became a more confident shooter and was a strong defender for the team throughout the season.
Iwundu will not get mentioned with the team’s young core, but he should have a strong place established in the Magic’s rotation entering next season. His utility and improvements suggest he is just getting started.