Orlando Magic Summer League Grades: Look closely and you might see something
The Orlando Magic took a lot of the fun out of Summer League by shutting down their best player. And others struggled to step into the spotlight.
The larger storyline interest in the Orlando Magic Summer League was gone in a flash.
Mohamed Bamba stepped onto the court for the team’s opening game against the San Antonio Spurs, did his thing and looked impressive and then stepped off. He sat out the next game and then got summarily shut down for the Summer League after playing just the one game.
That is not to say it was an unsuccessful summer for Mohamed Bamba. He played in all the practices to that point and so what fans and the public did not see could prove as vital as what they did see. But it was still somewhat disappointing.
Bamba dominated so many storylines for the team entering the summer, that taking him out of the equation sucked a lot of oxygen out of the room, so to speak. The team did not have a lot of top-end talent to speak of or analyze.
Without rookie Chuma Okeke — or even last year’s second-round pick in Melvin Frazier, out with a knee injury — the team was looking over players for potential two-way contracts and to fill out the Lakeland Magic roster.
The results were somewhat predictable.
The Magic won that first game — shortened by an earthquake in the Las Vegas area — with Bamba dominating and looking very much like the seasoned pro among rookies. The team then struggled to find much traction with some bouts of brilliant play.
From a team perspective, it was an uneven week even though the players seemed willing to compete and play hard throughout. The coaching staff should not be upset with the effort.
The Magic will inevitably find some guys who can help out the team in some way. They will find a two-way player off this Summer League roster and they should be able to fill the Lakeland Magic roster too. It was no total loss or anywhere close.
But as for impact players for the main squad? This was not the week to find those.
B+. All eyes were on Mohamed Bamba as he played his first game since a fracture in his left tibia in late January. Orlando Magic fans certainly wanted to see what Bamba could do and this whole Summer League seemingly revolved around him.<p>He played in only one game — and 15 minutes at that — but looked fairly impressive. Even if there were not an injury, the Magic would have had a good case for shutting him down and keeping him relatively under wraps. There was not much more for him to show.</p><p>He scored 15 points in those 15 minutes, making jumpers with ease and running the floor effectively. He showed better understanding in pick and rolls and where to be. His offensive game looked stronger and he showed how his upper body strength has improved.</p><p>Defensively, Bamba still looked like he was processing information a little slowly. He only had two rebounds as he could get muscled around the paint — and the San Antonio Spurs tried to be physical with him. And Bamba was still a bit overeager to go for blocks.</p><p>At the very least, we can all say Bamba was right back where he left off in January. And considering how long he had been out, that is a good sign.</p>. C. Orlando Magic. MOHAMED BAMBA
<a href=. C. Orlando Magic. AMILE JEFFERSON. B
DAQUAN JEFFRIES. B+. DaQuan Jeffries was one of the true stand outs of the Orlando Magic’s Summer League team. There was a going thought that he could be a solid player for this team as one of the best players to go undrafted. Rumors that he signed some sort of deal to be with the team in training camp appear to be true (although still unconfirmed). His Summer League play certainly made it seem worth it.<p>Jeffries finished averaging 13.2 points per game on 42 percent shooting. He was solid from beyond the arc and displayed a lot of his athleticism in transition. He was good finding ways to finish around the basket. That was all as advertised. It got Jeffries on everyone’s radar.</p><p>What stood out most for Jeffries was his defense. He was able to fly around and make some solid blocks in transition in chase down opportunities. He had good instinct on when to show his athleticism and when to attack on that end. That probably encourage the Magic most.</p>. G/F. Orlando Magic
C+. <a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. ERIK MCCREE
Other Players of Note
Braian Angola-Rodas — C-
The Orlando Magic really like Braian Angola-Rodas, having brought him in to Summer League last year and using an Exhibit 10 contract on him. They must have been eager to see where he was at in this setting. And he showed off some of his 3-point shooting expertise. But the threat of his shooting seems to be greater than his actual shooting. He struggled again to hit shots and so his status to get a two-way contract is up in the air.
Jeremiah Hill — C+
Jeremiah Hill got some extended run at point guard after Abdul Gaddy struggled through the early parts of the week. He had some moments, showing he could shoot the ball in spot-up situations. But he did not make a clear impact. Another year in Lakeland seems likely.
Vic Law — B
If you are looking for an under-the-radar player to get a 10-day contract, Vic Law is probably the guy. The Magic gave him extended looks through the first two games of Summer League and he more than proved his own. He was aggressive finishing in transition and his size helped him hold his own defensively. He will have to continue hitting 3-pointers consistently.
Next. Amile Jefferson still searching for his place in NBA. dark
The Orlando Magic finished their Summer League run at 2-3.