Iwundu’s work ethic impresses his coach

Wes Iwundu has taken advantage of opportunities during the NBA preseason.

The Orlando Magic forward has started the past two games in place of the injured Jonathan Isaac and head coach Steve Clifford has liked what he’s seen out of the second-year player.

The same goes for Jerian Grant, a backup guard who has shown Clifford the value of his versatility during the first three preseason games.

These are the types of things the new Magic coach is looking for in the preseason — things he wasn’t necessarily able to see on film, but certainly found once he got a chance to familiarize himself with the players on this team.

For Iwundu, the positive impressions started early. A rigorous offseason routine got him prepared for this season and Clifford noticed.

“The guy who’s really playing well … we play well when he’s on the floor and he’s very bright both organizationally and just basketball IQ who’s really, to me, made a strong argument of why he’s ready to play a bigger role is Wes,” Clifford said. “Not just in the games, but in practice. He’s the one. … His numbers haven’t been great, but his play has been.

“You can always win in this league with guys who give you a chance to execute at both ends of the floor, and that’s what I see in him.”

As for the numbers, they do not