5 Orlando Magic players to watch at NBA Summer League

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The Orlando Magic acquired Janis Timma in 2015. Now he is preparing to put on a Magic uniform for the first time. (Photo by Nicholas Muller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic players to watch at Summer League

Janis Timma

Way back in June 2015, the Orlando Magic traded guard Luke Ridnour for a little-known second-round pick in Janis Timma. It was a clear move to get rid of Ridnour’s contract and just grab a stashed second-round pick.

There were a few occasions where the Magic were close to bringing Timma over. But each time, it felt like Timma was looking for a clear role to make the leap over and did not want to make just a Summer League cameo.

Orlando retained his rights if he ever jumped over to the NBA. Meanwhile, Timma kept playing for his national team in Latvia and in various leagues throughout Europe. And he kept playing well.

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The 29-year-old is coming off his best professional season, averaging 12.5 points per game and shooting 54.0-percent from the floor for Khimki Moscow last year in Russia. He is a career 37.3-percent 3-point shooter in four seasons with Baskonia, Olympiacos and Khimki most recently.

Last year, Timma averaged 7.1 points per game while shooting 35.0-percent from beyond the arc in Euroleague last year with Khimki.

Timma is known as a tough-minded defensive wing who can hit from the outside. There just is a major question about whether he would be able to translate to the NBA. Timma has had nice showings for Latvia during international competitions.

The NBA is definitely a different monster.

At 29 years old, Timma is near the prime of his career and he could be in a spot to see where he stands in the NBA if that is a goal of his. That is a definite mystery. He is not among the top international prospects outside of the NBA but he is still an interesting guy to bring over.

Orlando is loaded at the wings at the moment. With R.J. Hampton also playing in Summer League, Janis Timma may be coming off the bench more likely than not. But for long-time Magic fans, this is a shot that is a long time coming. And probably his best chance to crack an NBA roster, if that is his goal.