With the Orlando Magic missing multiple key players and prioritizing youth development, there have been more chances for lesser experienced players in the season’s final stretch.
Ignas Brazdeikis is making the most of it.
Similar to last season’s end, Brazdeikis, who’s on a two-way deal, has excelled with increased playing time.
He averaged 13.8 points (52.8% shooting, 41.7% on 3-pointers) and 3.6 rebounds in 27.2 minutes in Orlando’s previous five games entering Thursday’s 128-101 road loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
Brazdeikis has been in the Magic’s closing lineups in a few of those games. He thrives coming off screens while also being a threat as a driver and spot-up shooter.
“He’s just done a great job knocking shots down and coming in ready to play,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “Whether he’s sitting for whole games, playing six minutes or playing 29 minutes, [he has an] ability to recognize his opportunity and take advantage of it.”
Brazdeikis was once again a key part of the rotation with Franz Wagner (sprained right ankle) not available against the Hornets. He finished with 12 points and 5 rebounds for his sixth consecutive game scoring in double figures, but went 4 of 15 from the field.
Chuma Okeke had a team-high 20 points to go with 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Moe Wagner finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
Markelle Fultz recorded 12 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds while R.J. Hampton had 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists.
Robin Lopez and Admiral Schofield were ejected in the fourth quarter because they were deemed “escalators” in an altercation. Jalen McDaniels had fouled Hampton on a layup attempt. Montrezl Harrell also was ejected after the scuffle.
Cole Anthony (sprained left toe) and Wendell Carter Jr. (sprained left wrist) also sat while Mo Bamba left midway through the first quarter because of a sprained right ankle. Bamba finished with 2 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 5 minutes.
With Thursday’s loss, the Magic (21-60) are guaranteed to finish with one of the league’s worst two records along with the Houston Rockets (20-60).
The teams with the worst three records have a 52.1% chance of obtaining a top-four draft pick (the same chances for Nos. 1-4) in May’s draft lottery. The team with the worst record won’t fall outside the top five while the team with the second-worst record won’t fall outside the top six.
The Magic’s situation gives Brazdeikis a chance to audition for better job security in the NBA. It’s a familiar role for him.
He originally joined the Magic on a 10-day contract on May 2, 2021, before signing with the team for the remainder of the season.
Brazdeikis averaged 11.1 points (40.7% shooting on 3s), 5.1 rebounds and 2 assists in his final eight games last year and signed a two-way deal last summer.
With his future beyond this weekend uncertain, Brazdeikis is looking to prove he belongs on an NBA roster.
The Magic’s final game will come against the Miami Heat on Sunday at Amway Center.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at khprice@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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