Ridiculous Upside: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Network Message: 2010 World Cup Result: Spain Defeats Dutch

2009 Orlando Magic Summer League Roster - Breaking it Down!

Orlando-magic_medium

Ah - Orlando Magic, how I love thee Summer League Roster.

It's true, you're a bit behind the times by calling the NBA Development League the NBDL, but I guess I can't really blame you for not typing the extra letter - since it would have had to have been typed an extra TEN times.  Yes, D-League fans, Orlando is aware of the D-League, inviting 10 players that have played in the D-League the past two seasons.  That's a lot, Otis, and I appreciate you making it up to me after you ignored the D-League all season, despite the Jameer Nelson injury.  I mean, seriously, isn't Russell Robinson at least as good as Tyronn Lue, who you actually had to trade something for?

Welp, we'll find out, because you invited him!

No.NamePos.Ht.Wt.Last Team/College
6 Maurice Ager G 6-2 220 New Jersey Nets/Michigan State
41 Lance Allred C 6-11 260 NBDL Idaho Stampede/Weber State
33 Ryan Anderson F 6-10 240 New Jersey Nets/California
3 Brian Chase G 5-10 170 Dynamo Moscow/Virginia Tech
21 Ronald Dupree F 6-7 209 NBDL Utah Flash/Louisiana State
10 Courtney Fells G 6-6 210 North Carolina State
2 Levance Fields G 5-10 190 Pittsburgh
23 C.J. Giles F 6-11 240 Smart Gilas Pilipinas (Philippines)/Oregon State
35 Richard Hendrix F 6-9 255 NBDL Dakota Wizards/Alabama
16 Stevan Milosevic C 7-0 260 Koeln 99ers (Germany)
1 Jeremy Pargo G 6-2 220 Gonzaga
22 Kasib Powell F 6-7 215 NBDL Sioux Falls Skyforce/Texas Tech
19 Milovan Rakovic F 6-10 280 Spartak Saint Petersburg (Russia)
32 Jeremy Richardson F 6-7 195 Orlando Magic/Delta State
24 Russell Robinson G 6-1 190 NBDL Reno Bighorns/Kansas
5 Darian Townes F 6-10 250 NBDL Erie BayHawks/Arkansas

Once again, I'll break everyone down that isn't guaranteed a spot, but that's only Ryan Anderson in this case.  After the jump (Jump!), I break down the other 49 Summer League invites Orlando is bringing in (minus Jeremy Richardson and Mo Ager, because you should know what they can/can't bring to the lineup by now)!  Good thing is, a few of the guys probably have a chance, as the Magic only have eight players currently under contract for next season.

Star-divide

Guards

Jeremy Pargo - I'm going to handicap him as the early favorite for Orlando Magic third string point guard.  Playing behind Anthony Johnson, I'm assuming, has been his lifelong dream, and as usual, I'm here to make people happy.  Unfortunately, my counterpart from 3QC, Ben Q. Rock, isn't so sure he wants dreams filled, as he had this to say before the draft: One of the reasons the Magic drafted Courtney Lee last year was his poise, his maturity, his ability to immediately compete and contribute at the NBA level. Pargo apparently lacks that attribute, which makes him the least attractive of any player we've discussed here. Still, his speed and playmaking skills would make him a welcome addition to the Magic's bench for the next year or two while he learns the ropes.

Russell Robinson - Robinson can D up and handle the rock, usually making smart decisions.  Aside from that, don't expect a ton.  Robinson seemed like he had pretty much reached his ceiling coming out of Kansas last season and appeared destined to hang out overseas for the next however many years.  Instead, he decided to ply his trade in the D-League for the biggest little city in the world, the Reno Bighorns.  With Reno, he really improved on offense, especially in March when pushing the Bighorns toward the playoffs (17.8 points, 5.7 assists, 48% FG% - all season highs).  I don't think Robinson is far away from the NBA, but in the same regard, I don't think he's the best fit for Orlando, simply because Pargo has more upside.  Robinson is good, but his shot will never be fixed (it's fatally wounded) and Otis Smith hates the D-League point guards.  It's been proved.

Levance Fields - I'm not sure why Orlando decided they wanted to bring in a whole bunch of short point guards since that's what they currently employ, but whatevz, I'm cool with it.  Fields, for what it's worth, was one of my favorite players in college.  He can shoot, but only in spurts.  When those spurts happen, watch out, because it takes him awhile to realize he went cold.  The best way to describe Fields body, I guess, is stocky.  Apparently there is something in the water that makes everyone a bit chubby up there.  As with Robinson, Fields best asset is that he takes good care of the ball, dishing out an astounding 3.8 assists per turnover last season.  I'm not high on him in the NBA, but he's by no means a bad player.

Brian Chase - I'm really not sure how Brian Chase keeps himself semi-relevant.  As far as I've ever been able to tell, he's a 5'10 2-guard with limited defensive abilities. Sure, he can be a scorer off the bench, but he just doesn't seem to really be able to facilitate an offense, something the other Summer League invites are fully capable of.   Maybe Chase has gotten better, as I know he was working on being more than a 5'10" 3-point shooter extraordinaire, but looking at his numbers in Europe, it still seems he's a score first, do everything else last sort of player.  In four games of Eurocup action last season, he averaged 3.8 turnovers and 1.3 assists.  I don't know, maybe that's what the Magic are looking at bringning in.  Or maybe Otis was a big Roanoke Dazzle fan.

Courtney Fells - I'm really not all that familiar with Fells, so I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the Magic were really just looking for another Courtney to replace Lee.  Maybe Dwight Howard likes playing with Courtney's, who knows.  Anyway, since I'm not all that familiar with Lee, I hopped in the DraftExpress Research Machine to regurgitate what I could find over there.  Among the highlights: His ceiling is a Keith Bogans type... He can shoot the long ball, but can't get himself open... He was streaky in Portsmouth... He's not a great athlete, passer, or rebounder... He could be a decent defender, but won't impress you.

Wings

Kasib PowellKasib blogs on RU, so I probably won't look all that unbiased when I type this, but he's good.  When healthy, he's got the talent of a rotational NBA player.  He plays with heart, he can score, he can play defense, and he has a good attitude.  Does he have any remarkable talents?  Not necessarily, but he's an all-around talent.  He was the D-League MVP two seasons ago before being called up in the great "Miami Heat Show They Know What A D-League Is" after losing nearly all of their players to injury/Michael Beasley tanking.  Essentially, Powell isn't much of an upside guy (he's 28), but if the Magic are looking for a cheap, solid backup that knows what he's doing on the court, they're not going to find much better.

Ronald Dupree - See Powell, Kasib.  Except he's not my boy and has more NBA experience, but Zero D-League MVP's.  And he has Twitter.

Bigs

Lance Allred - I love me some Lance Allred.  He's intelligent and keeps it real.  I've never actually talked to Lance, but we occasionally facebook message.  Just yesterday, he commented on my facebook status, telling me I'm "As American as Kenny Loggins."  He also recently published an autobiography (Buy it) and started blogging.  Ah, you want to know about his basketball talents?  Well, they're obviously there, as he earned a call-up to the Cavs two seasons ago to some hype (due to him being a deaf polygamist white mormon or something like that).  Run down of his game - good fundamentals, good range for a big man, good size, solid but won't wow on defense, and has a couple different go-to post moves in his arsenal.  Basically, he's the same as Powell and Dupree, even with the 28 year's old thing, so you're getting a solid, not spectacular, player that will be able to contribute when called upon.

Richard Hendrix - Everyone I've talked to about Hendrix loves him.  Therefore, I'm assuming he's a pretty known commodity and I'll make this quick.  In the D-League, his contributions were rarely noticed until looking at the box score to the point of it being a mini running joke over here at Ridiculous Upside.  His best asset is his rebounding and defense, though he's a bit undersized to block many shots in the post.  He'll be on an NBA roster next season, but I'm not sure if it'll be full-time or if he'll have to work his way up through the D-League.

C.J. Giles - Well, Giles is a bit of an unknown.  Great talent, but has never really been able to put it together.  First, he committed to Kansas, then was kicked off the team due to some off court and academic issues.  He then transferred to Oregon State, but wasn't really impressive there either, playing in just 10 games due to injury.  His first professional season, he was traded for Earl Barron - in the D-League, but never really showed what he's supposed to be capable of, averaging 10 points, seven boards and 1.4 blocks per game.  The only time I've really seen Giles show his potential was in Vegas last Summer, as he averaged over three blocks a game playing for the Raptors.  Also, he has Twitter.

Darian Townes - Well, he wasn't great in the D-League last season (6.6 points, 4.1 boards), so I'm not exactly sure Orlando noticed from him.  He's a big guy, but didn't play well in Europe or the D-League last season, and once again has only really shown what people thought he was capable of coming out of Arkansas was last Summer in Vegas.  With Sacramento's Summer League team, Townes scored 14 points and grabbed six boards in 19 minutes.  Unfortunately, the big man also fouled out.  My only other thought is that the Magic and Derrick Powell, Townes' agent, are best friends.  Townes and Brian Chase, the other player that doesn't seem NBA ready, are both represented by Derrick Powell.

I apologize, but I know nothing of the other two big men.  I do have an email into the guys over at Draft Express, so maybe they can help us out regarding Stevan Milosevic and Milovan Rakovic.  For now all I can offer is youtube videos of each.  In this one, I'm guessing Milosevic is the one waving and wearing a pink shirt. In this one, Rakovic seems to look Marcin Gortat from a distance.

Poll
With probably five spots available, how many of the guys mentioned will make the Magic's regular season team?
0 - Most have played in the D-League
7 votes
1-3 - Probably just Ager and Richardson.
94 votes
4+ - Why not? Cheap, good, experienced talent!
18 votes

119 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 10 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Thanks for rundown Scott.

I’m actually not too familiar with Hendrix. The Magic are looking for backup center. Could he play that role, or is he too short?

by thermodynamic on Jul 6, 2025 12:21 AM EDT reply actions  

Too short

But he’d be a tough, rebounding PF for you, especially if the idea is to continue starting Rashard at the 4. Or even Ryan Anderson.

We're all puppets, Laurie. I'm just a puppet who can see the strings.

by Michael Levin on Jul 6, 2025 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions  

Agree with TAFKAMB

Blogging at RidiculousUpside, where we converse with recently fired mascots.

by Scott Schroeder on Jul 6, 2025 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions  

John Edwards.....

is a center, but would make you want to die.

Blogging at RidiculousUpside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.

by Aisander D on Jul 6, 2025 1:59 AM EDT up reply actions  

Thanks for stopping by Aisander D

Glad we attracted you with our Summer League coverage!!

Blogging at RidiculousUpside, where we converse with recently fired mascots.

by Scott Schroeder on Jul 6, 2025 2:59 AM EDT up reply actions  

Hi h8r

Blogging at RidiculousUpside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.

by Aisander D on Jul 6, 2025 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions  

Thanks

I don’t think it’s a popular idea, nor a likely one but I was toying with the idea of starting Anderson.

If Hendrix can become a viable backup PF it makes it more… not realistic, but gives it more legs. And removes some depth issues at the SF position.

PG: Nelson/Johnson
SG: Carter/Reddick
SF: Lewis/Pietrus
PF: Anderson/Hendrix
C: Howard/?

by thermodynamic on Jul 6, 2025 3:34 AM EDT up reply actions  

Anderson starting won't happen.

.. getting a guy like Hendrix isn’t outside the realm of possibility, though.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jul 6, 2025 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions  

Thanks for the breakdown, Scott.

I have a bias towards Pargo since I’m a Chicago guy, so I’m hoping he does well.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jul 6, 2025 10:20 AM EDT reply actions  

Yep

I actually like the Orlando roster probably more than any other.
It may be because I know a good amount of the guys personally, but I really have high hopes for the Magic roster.
Unfortunately, I’ll probably be disappointed, much as I was the last time the Magic were supposed to use the D-League (Jameer Nelson injury).

Blogging at RidiculousUpside, where we converse with recently fired mascots.

by Scott Schroeder on Jul 6, 2025 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to Ridiculous Upside, your first stop for NBA prospect info! RU - Where Potential Is Way Cooler Than Reality!
Start posting on Ridiculous Upside »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

John6_small
A summer league question:
Small
Team Draft Review Utah Jazz
Small
Team Draft Review: Boston Celtics
Small
Team Draft Review: Atlanta Hawks
Derrick-rose_small
Which players find themselves in the best situation?
Derrick-rose_small
Thoughts about the draft
Kg_wolves_small
[A Different] SBNation 2010 NBA Mock Draft
Derrick-rose_small
My Mock Draft - 3rd and final version
Derrick-rose_small
My Mock Draft - 2nd version
Small
Such an exciting time if you've got a Bball Jones

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

In Association With

Latest Y! Sports Blogs from Yahoo! Sports

SBNation.com Recent Stories

INDIANAPOLIS - APRIL 02:  A detail picture of the basketballs as the Duke Blue Devils during practice prior to the 2010 Final Four of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 2, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) +9 updates

NCAA Announces Plan For 'First Four,' Featuring Field Of 68 Play-In Games

+1 updates

UNLV's Tre'Von Willis Arrested On Multiple Charges

damonevans +4 updates

Damon Evans Resigns As Georgia AD Amidst DUI Scandal

More from SBNation.com >


Co-Grand Poobahs

Ru_small Scott Schroeder

B-king_front_small Jon L

To Be Determined Draft Bros

Michael Levin

fetch9

Best Ever D-League Blogger

Cimg0200_small Mike Gansey