Magic Sign Former Heat Center To Two-Way Deal

Orlando Magic Sign Former Heat Center To Two-Way Deal

After shoring up their backcourt, the Magic have wisely added a backup big man at the five-spot. Today, Robinson signed a two-way contract to split his time with the Osceola Magic G League squad and Orlando. Just as importantly, he is available should the team need him in what is now their weakest position. Starter Wendell Carter Jr. has sat out over 40 games in the previous two seasons due to injury. In December, Sixth Man of the Year candidate Moritz Wagner tore his left ACL and missed the remainder of the season, with his return date TBD. Georgian Goga Bitadze won over fans last season with his enthusiasm and effort, though he has offensive limitations and struggles with shooting. Jonathan Isaac’s fragility continues to restrict his playing time.

Robinson (6-foot-10, 245 lbs.) played in 44 games with Sacramento and Toronto last season. Waived by the Kings in January, the Raptors signed him on consecutive 10-days before converting his two-way deal into a standard contract in February. He secured four double-doubles in his 35 games in Canada and made eight starts. Averaging 8.1 points and 5.9 rebounds, he dropped a career-high 25 on Philadelphia in March.

Starting his career with the Heat, he has played a total 0f 111 NBA games. As a Fresno State University Bulldog, he achieved the distinction of becoming the second NCAA player to score 700 points, grab 300 rebounds, and dish out 100 assists in one season.

What Orlando Brings to Orlando

Robinson is a strong shot blocker who battles under the backboard. During his span in Toronto, he shot 44.7% from the field and 34% from beyond the arc. The 25-year-old has a 7-foot-4 wingspan. Fresno’s coaching staff praised his work ethic in college. After going undrafted, he has seen his playing time and starting opportunities increase in each of his three seasons in the league.

With the return of Wagner imminent, the Magic may opt to put Robinson in the rotation early to evaluate his ability and chemistry before next season’s trade deadline. Bitadze has nearly $16 million left on his three-year contract, earning $8.3 million next season.

Orlando has ECF-or-bust ambitions this year, illustrated by their aggressive off-season moves to acquire Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones. They also signed franchise-cornerstone Paolo Banchero to a max extension. If Wagner returns to last year’s form, Bitadze’s contract may become attractive trade bait at the deadline for the Magic to address any issues before sprinting to the postseason. Orlando declined forward Caleb Houstan’s option and lost him to the rival Hawks.. They would be forced to shed a contract (or two) should they need to bring in additional personnel midseason.

Analysis: Orlando Wisely Adds Depth in the Paint

Robinson’s signing is a wise and budget-friendly move for a team projected to be in the top four in the wide-open Eastern Conference come April. With the team’s injury history in recent seasons, the Magic faithful have seen their share of unique lineups featuring G League players while starters rehabbed. Robinson has managed to shine when given opportunities in his young journeyman career, especially on defense with the Raptors.