Admiral Schofield reflects on getting two-way deal with Magic

For Admiral Schofield, the process to getting a more consistent spot on the Orlando Magic’s roster started over the offseason.

Schofield signed with the Magic as a free agent in September and took part in training camp but was waived a month later ahead of the season’s start.

But after spending time with the Magic’s G League affiliate — the Lakeland Magic — and two 10-day contracts with Orlando via hardship exceptions, Schofield got a more permanent role with the Magic when he signed a two-way contract with Orlando on Thursday.

“In the summer I set out to be here in this organization,” Schofield said after Friday’s practice ahead of Saturday’s road game against the Detroit Pistons. “The opportunity didn’t present itself right away, but believing in the organization and what the organization believes in is a blessing.

“I love the direction this organization is going. Me being on this team, I can help add to that culture.”

Schofield, a 24-year-old forward, has averaged 4.8 points on 54.3% shooting and 3.1 rebounds in 16.9 minutes in nine games (one start) for the Magic.

He was averaging 14.4 points and 7.2 rebounds in 33 minutes in 12 games (10 starts) with Lakeland before originally joining Orlando via his first 10-day deal on Dec. 17 after several players enter the league’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols. His second 10-day contract, which he signed on Dec. 27, ended on Wednesday.

Schofield credited his team in Lakeland for preparing him for a more consistent role in Orlando.

“Lakeland Magic just gave me a lot of reps,” Schofield said. “A lot of opportunities to practice and see how I fit into the top team in the Orlando Magic. Being on a two-way contract, there’s a high possibility I’ll be back down there and I’ll be excited to step into that opportunity even more.”

Before joining the Lakeland Magic in late October, Schofield spent significant parts of the previous two seasons in the G League after being a second-round pick in the 2019′s draft.

He played for the Charlotte Hornets’ G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, during the 2020-21 season and split time with the Washington Wizards and their G League team, Capital City Go-Go, in 2019-20.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned is using those reps as practice reps,” Schofield said, “even though some two-way guys or assignees get more opportunities with the ball or to score, not abusing that opportunity but actually working on things that’ll translate to the NBA level.

“The biggest thing for me is, that whether I’m up or down, doing things that’ll further my career and where I am on the rotation for this team but also focusing on the things the coaches are looking for.”