The Orlando Magic's decision to waive rookie small forward Stanley Robinson likely assured veteran big man Malik Allen of a roster spot this season. Here's John Denton of the team's official website, OrlandoMagic.com:
Orlando now has 14 players on the roster, a number it will likely keep all season. Veteran Malik Allen entered with a non-guaranteed contract, but earned a spot with his professionalism, smarts and ability to play both power forward and center.
Allen's roster spot has become progressively more secure, with Josh Robbins reporting the following just a few days ago:
Asked Monday if Allen's versatility helps Allen's chances, Magic President of Basketball Operations Otis Smith responded by nodding in the direction of rookie C Daniel Orton.
"What helps him out is that kid," Smith said.
Orton hasn't scrimmaged this season because of problems with his left leg.
It appears as though Denton and Philip Rossman-Reich have been right on the money this whole time. The day after the Magic signed Allen, Denton wrote that his chances of making the team were "very good." In his write-up of the signing, meanwhile, Rossman-Reich said Allen is "possibly some insurance if Orton is not ready to play in the NBA quite yet." Good calls.
In 6 preseason games with Orlando, the nine-year veteran from Villanova has averaged 3 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks in 9.8 minutes, shooting 46.2 percent from the floor. Barring injury to the five big forwards and centers ahead of him on the depth chart, he would not be a rotation player during the regular season.