5 questions the Orlando Magic need to answer at Summer League

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Braian Angola-Rodas, Lakeland Magic, Greensboro Swarm

GREENSBORO, NC- JANUARY 4: Braian Angola-Rodas #11 of the Lakeland Magic dribbles the ball during the game against the Greensboro Swarm on January 4, 2019 at Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

How have the Lakeland Magic players improved?

The NBA’s G-League is not quite a true minor league yet. Technically players on the G-League rosters are free to sign anywhere else in the league — except for two-way players.

The team still essentially runs a lot of the same plays and holds the same philosophy as the main roster. But it is not the full playbook. Just the outlines of it and some of the overall philosophies.

Stan Heath still wants to win and shapes that outline to his roster.

But at a baseline, the Magic have some interest in every player that suits up for Lakeland in some form or fashion. They selected these players to be part of their system.

It is no coincidence that Orlando’s Summer League team is filled with players from Lakeland — six to be exact. It is the biggest feeder into the Summer League roster of any other team. The Magic know these guys and want to coach them first hand to get a sense of what they can bring.

Many of the top players from last year’s Eastern Conference finalist will be with the Magic.

This includes one of Orlando’s two-way players in Amile Jefferson, one of the best big men in the entire G-League and someone the Magic are very comfortable with throughout the organization.

He spent most of his season with Lakeland, but as a two-way player, got plenty of opportunities to impress Orlando brass.

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Players like John Petrucelli, who had a strong year for Lakeland in averaging 12.1 points per game and hitting on 44.2 percent of his 3-point shots are also probably getting a closer look.

Petrucelli has always been a solid scorer but has struggled to stand out in the crowded field. His 3-point shooting is probably his best ticket into the league and he just has never been used as a featured shooter.

But Petrucelli is a smart player. He has spent two years now with Lakeland as was solid in both. He is a key reason why Lakeland has been to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

Another player to keep an eye on is sharpshooter Gabe York.

The Magic have had their eye on him since they had the Erie Bayhawks as their G-League affiliate. He averaged 16.4 points per game and shot 36.7 percent from beyond the arc last year. He has long been a G-League standout in search of a NBA opportunity. He would definitely help the Magic from the outside.

Orlando will also be looking at Jeremiah Hill. The 6-foot-6 guard came off the bench to score 7.0 points per game and showed promise as a shooter. But he is probably destined for another year in Lakeland.

Between Petrucelli and York, the Magic have some wing players they can look at carefully during this Summer League. They have both knocked on the door of the NBA for some time. This could be their chance to make a real mark.