As Brian Schmitz reported this afternoon, the Orlando Magic have elected to keep training-camp invitee Linton Johnson II, a combo forward, for at least the start of the regular season. Johnson did not appear to have much of a chance to make the final roster until a nagging knee injury forced reserve center Adonal Foyle to undergo arthroscopic surgery, which will keep him out of the lineup indefinitely.
With Foyle and Rashard Lewis (10-game suspension) out to start the regular season, the Magic would only have 11 players available each night, compromising their depth in case of another injury. Johnson is--and I hate this phrase, but it's kind-of apt here--a warm body to keep at the end of the bench. Schmitz says the Magic will likely retain him until Foyle is ready to return. As Matt Humphrey wrote later, Johnson "should add Adonal Foyle to his Christmas card list."
Johnson, 29, averaged 1.6 points and 1 rebound in 4.8 minutes per game during the preseason. Over six NBA seasons, he owns per-game averages of 3.9 points and 3.3 rebounds in 14 minutes.
Even with Johnson, the Magic have one open roster spot, which can help facilitate trades.