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Orlando Magic: 3 silver linings from Mohamed Bamba’s injury

By Luke Duffy

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 27: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic stretches prior to the game against the Houston Rockets on January 27, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 27: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic stretches prior to the game against the Houston Rockets on January 27, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Opportunity for Khem Birch

If turning to Vucevic more is one reason to remain positive in the face of this injury to Bamba, then the reintroduction of third string center Khem Birch is an even better one. He is a fan favorite with Magic fans because of how hard he plays when given the opportunity.

Birch has appeared in 22 games so far this season, averaging just 9.5 minutes per contest. He has already displayed the right kind of attitude and acceptance of his role with the Magic so far this season, and is no doubt the right kind of individual to have in an young and impressionable locker room.

The sample size isn’t close to Vucevic’s, or even Bamba’s, but when Birch plays the Magic have a defensive rating of 101.8. The league-leading Milwaukee Bucks have a rating of 103.4, which tells you all you need to know about what Birch can bring to this team if given a bigger role.

Unlike Vucevic, Birch is a restricted free agent this summer, and would appear to be the ideal backup to Bamba going forward. He’s somebody who will have no problem being a reserve, but will also be able to step in and play bigger minutes if his teammates go down.

He isn’t going to cost a lot of money to keep around, and he’s also the better player to have as a backup to finish this season out. He has more experience than Bamba through his age and having played professionally overseas.

Vucevic is the offensively gifted big man on this roster, but Birch brings something different that the Magic need. Head coach Steve Clifford, himself known as a defensive specialist, will take some comfort knowing he can call Birch’s number more often. Do not be surprised when his numbers, and overall standing throughout the league, increase as a result of Bamba’s absence.

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