Orlando Magic: 4 players who need to step up with Evan Fournier out
By Luke Duffy
3. Wesley Iwundu
Rookie Wesley Iwundu is the one player who really figures to benefit from the spate of injuries that have hit the organization. He has already spent time in the G League, but with Fournier, Ross and Isaac out indefinitely, the door has been blown open for Iwundu to come into the second unit rotation.
There’s nothing Iwundu can really do better than Fournier, and his numbers aren’t even worth talking about. In fact, he’s yet to even attempt a 3-point shot for this team. Why then is it on his shoulders to carry some of the load with Fournier out?
Well, Iwundu is a high-energy player off the bench, and pairing him with some of the veterans in the second unit will allow them to conserve their energy offensively while he buzzes on the other end.
Wes Iwundu in the game and changing the tone of this game....he's made some nice plays on "D and a terrific bounce pass to Biz for a dunk
— Bally Sports Florida: Magic (@BallyMagic) December 5, 2017
He’s only averaging 5.1 minutes per contest, but that number absolutely will rise. It then becomes about what Iwundu can do with that extra time on the court.
Iwundu did shoot 37.6 percent from deep his last year in college, and while that is no indicator he’ll be able to immediately come in and shoot more for this team, it is worth noting.
Really though, Iwundu is going to do the work others can’t or won’t as they try to replicate what Fournier did for the team, and that is where he has a chance to excel.