Boston Celtics: 2 Orlando Magic players C’s should scout tomorrow

Khem Birch

When it comes to priorities in the Orlando Magic frontcourt, Khem Birch has a very secure spot in the backend of the rotation. While this season has seen an increase in his minutes, he still is somewhat limited in his scoring and rebounding in a Magic lineup that lacks playmaking.

The C’s don’t have that problem, between Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart, and new assist machine Jayson Tatum, who dropped eight assists against the Portland Trailblazers last week. Birch has an all-around skill set that would better be suited in a more versatile lineup–he dropped 12 points, four rebounds, and an astounding five assists in the Magic’s first seeding game against Brooklyn.

Birch makes just $3 million. If Boston were to include a second-round draft pick attached to the contract of Vincent Poirier and/or Carsen Edwards, the Magic may be enticed to roll the dice on either of the C’s rookies in order to gain draft stock.

In Boston, Birch can compete for backup minutes at the five while also having the potential to play alongside the C’s bigs, given his relative success in limited minutes alongside Nikola Vucevic during the season restart.