Orlando Magic Waive Stanley Robinson, Trimming Roster to 14 Players

The Orlando Magic have announced they waived rookie small forward Stanley Robinson, the 59th pick in this year's NBA Draft, just moments after sending the Dallas Mavericks to a 101-76 defeat. Robinson did not play in the game despite Orlando being in command for much of the second half.

In his five preseason appearances with the club, the University of Connecticut product averaged 2 points, 2.4 rebounds, in 8.2 minutes per game, shooting 44.4 percent from the field.

Robinson signed a non-guaranteed contract with the club on August 16th.

Robinson's a spectacular athlete who endeared himself to his teammates with his humble attitude and willingness to work. He doesn't have a ranged jumper just yet, but is a dynamic fastbreak finisher, an excellent rebounder for his position, and has the tools to be a plus perimeter defender. Last week, he told me he patterned his game after Charlotte Bobcats All-Star Gerald Wallace. Though I frankly don't see Robinson ever reaching Wallace's level as a player--when he was Robinson's age, Wallace was stuffing stat sheets wit 11.1 points, 5.5 boards, 2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1 block in 68 starts--it's true that he could be similarly effective if he fine-tuned his game. Not fouling would be a start.

We may not have seen the last of Robinson in a Magic uniform, however, though this much is purely speculation on my part. A new NBA D-League rule stipulates that the last three players cut from NBA training-camp rosters prior to the D-League Draft on November 1st will be allocated to that NBA team's D-League affiliate. This rule means that Robinson's D-League rights will belong to the New Mexico Thunderbirds, the Magic's affiliate.

With Robinson no longer with the team, Orlando's roster stands at 14 players, with 13 on guaranteed deals. Veteran big man Malik Allen is the lone player on a make-good contract remaining.