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2018-19 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Khem Birch

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 14: Khem Birch #24 of the Orlando Magic rebounds the ball against the Charlotte Hornets on February 14, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 14: Khem Birch #24 of the Orlando Magic rebounds the ball against the Charlotte Hornets on February 14, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Khem Birch, Orlando Magic, Dario Saric, Minnesota Timberwolves
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 7: Khem Birch #24 of the Orlando Magic and Dario Saric #36 of the Minnesota Timberwolves battle for position after a rebound during the game at the Amway Center on February 7, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Timberwolves 122 to 112. 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) /

Final Grade

C. Orlando Magic. KHEM BIRCH. B+.

Khem Birch has always just needed an opportunity to show what he can do. That has always been what he fought for. Circumstance always seemed to bury him in the bench. The Orlando Magic were simply more invested in the guys ahead of him in the depth chart, even if he was the better option.

Khem Birch proved he was a better option than Bismack Biyombo in supplanting him from the rotation. And then when Mohamed Bamba went down with an injury, Khem Birch stepped in seamlessly and gave the Magic a much-needed defensive presence.

Birch should be in line for the financial rewards that come with it. And, he has to hope, a more sure role either with the Magic or wherever he signs. He has earned that.

Birch did exactly what he did in his first year with the Magic. When given the opportunity, he defended well and rolled hard to the basket. That is what he had to do. That is who he is and what he can bring.

There is no reason to think that will not continue to translate. If Birch keeps doing what he does, he will continue to carve out a NBA career. Birch is undoubtedly a NBA player at this point.

He built that level. The big question for Birch is to find out where he can still improve. He worked on his jumper throughout the offseason and even in practice, but rarely brought it out for games. That was not really his role. He is a roller not a popper on pick and rolls.

That is a nitpicky thing. If Birch can keep his athleticism at its current levels and continue to be a disrupter in pick and rolls, able to switch out quickly onto guards and challenge shots at the rim, he will continue to be a strong player in the post for whoever ends up signing him.

As a fallback plan for the possibility Nikola Vucevic leaves, the Magic could do a lot worse than match Khem Birch’s contract in restricted free agent. They should certainly feel comfortable keeping him around Orlando if it comes to that.

Next. 2018-19 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Troy Caupain. dark

Birch should never have to worry about his place in the NBA again.