Free Agency Targets: Centers

By PHIL HARLOW

Following the success of the 2018-19 season, the Orlando Magic has become an interesting potential destination for Free Agents. Years of bad decisions off the court and disjointed play on it had led to Central Florida becoming a no-go for notable talent during the off season. However, under the guidance of a competent Front Office (AT LAST) and the solid coaching of Steve Clifford and his staff, the team has finally turned a corner. Our young core has a bright future, and is a good situation for players looking to relocate to consider.

In this series of articles I will look at my top two Free Agency targets in each position. The situations are hypothetical and don't take into account all the ins and outs of keeping or losing Vucevic. Or Ross. Or stretching Mozgov. Or moving Evan. Or any of those details. We're just going to look at some players that I'd like to see Orlando make a pitch to and who we have the potential of signing.

So let's take a look at the Center position. Nikola Vucevic had a fantastic year. He took his game to another level. He averaged a career high in points (20.8), rebounds (12.0) and assists (3.8) per contest. His play led to an All Star selection, the first Magic player since Dwight Howard. He was instrumental in ending our Playoff drought. He really was our alpha. Our 2018 draft pick was Mo Bamba and, despite showing flashes, he didn't have the best rookie season. 6.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game aren't great numbers for a player his size, but a good start. A stress fracture in his leg in January led to him missing the remainder of the season. This seemed to mark a turnaround though, as Khem Birch became the back up Center and stepped up big time. His toughness and willingness to bang with opposition added new steel to the second unit. He shot 60.3% from the field and rarely made mistakes. Interestingly, he has never attempted a three in his time in the league. Now, the Center position is a hot topic among Magic fans. Vucevic enters Free Agency this summer, and his performances have made him desirable to many teams. Orlando will have to make a big offer to keep him, but will they meet his demands? Is Mo Bamba ready to step into the starting position should Nikola go? Are Birch and Bamba a solid enough combination to go into the new season? These questions could be eased if we pick up a Free Agent of our own, so let's look at two options this off season:

Dewayne Dedmon – Unrestricted Free Agent

2018-19 Stats:

• 10.8 PPG (Career 6.5 PPG)

• 7.5 REB (Career 6.0 REB)

• 49.2 FG% (Career 53.3 FG%)

Since Dewayne Dedmon left Orlando in 2016, he has improved his scoring numbers each year. For Atlanta in the 2018-19 season, he started 52 of his 64 appearances. The amount of missed games would be a bit of a concern, but his ankle soreness was probably a good enough reason for the Hawks to sit him and get a higher draft pick. His solid 10.8 points, while no where near Vucevic, is a good number. He is also an improving three point shooter and is someone that opposing Centers have to be aware of, averaging 37.0% over the past two seasons. His size makes him a strong presence around the rim and draws defenders to him, allowing our other guys to get to work.

Defensively he is good in the paint and affects the driving lane. This is one of his biggest draws. I like him as a big body that makes opposition consider their options. He is fairly active on the defensive glass, getting 5.9 rebounds per game. His 1.1 blocks could be improved upon, but in the Magic system I could see those numbers climb. He turns 30 in August, so his age would allow him to be a seasoned head in the locker room. It also lines up with the projected progression of Bamba, and would be a solid back up to Mo should he become ready to start. The way Dedmon has turned his offensive game around in the past two seasons would be a great target for Bamba to reach, and I'd welcome his presence.

He earnt just over $7m in the 2018-19 season, and his vast improvement offensively in recent years will see him given some appealing offers. As a solid player on both ends of the floor, I would see him as an adequate stop gap should we lose Vucevic. A contract of 2 years, around $9-10m seems fair to me. Those figures aren't too inflated and fair to what he would bring to the team. He would be a good addition to the locker room with his six years experience in the league, and someone who would be very beneficial to Bamba's growth.

Joakim Noah – Unrestricted Free Agent

2018-19 Stats:

• 7.1 PPG (Career 8.8 PPG)

• 5.7 REB (Career 9.1 REB)

• 51.6 FG% (Career 49.1 FG%)

Bringing in a veteran like Joakim Noah is what I think we should do at the Center position. He is a very serviceable player and would have no problem coming off the bench, but would be equally fine to start. While his points have begun to decline season to season, he actually had the third most efficient year of his career in 2018-19. He made 51.6% while taking 213 shots from the field. He is a non factor from deep, missing all 16 attempts he has made during his 12 years in the league. This is a shame, but with his limited role is not concerning. Around the hoop is where he sees the action, and he also dished out 2.1 assists a game last season. He is a good passer of the ball and, although slowing down, moves well without it. His toughness draws fouls and is unwilling to back down on post ups. I would really love his energy on the bench.

As a defender, he is a good shot blocker, despite only averaging 0.7 per game in 2018-19. He is able to move around the defensive end well and affects shots. He is a two way player, which would be great for the Magic. Having another back up Center available who is able to affect play on both ends of the floor is what we need. I don't want a non factor. Noah has maintained his ability to move laterally while defending, so I would trust him. While his rebound numbers are down, he is still a presence on the glass. His big body enables him to get position. As a former Defensive Player of the Year winner, he knows how to defend. That doesn't ever leave. I could see him becoming a crowd favorite in all honesty.

In 2018-19, he earnt just over $1.7m. That is a figure that really peaks my interest. Now 34 years old, he's only going to be getting short term deals. This is exactly what the Magic would be looking to offer with us waiting on Mo Bamba to step up. A one year contract at around the same money would be perfect if we could get Noah to sign it. An over pay of up to $3m is not the worst move, and wouldn't take up much cap. I want to keep it lower though. Bringing in a player like Joakim is the perfect stop gap should we lose Vucevic or Birch. I'd like to see him come in anyway because I've always liked Noah. The guy just looks like a wild eyed warrior, and I want those characters at the Amway.

Notable mentions: Brook Lopez, Willie Cauley-Stein, DeMarcus Cousins, Zaza Pachulia, JaVale McGee

The Center position is the most talked about on the roster. The dividing line between Vucevic fans and haters is clear. Mo Bamba is still a question mark. We don't know if Birch can handle a starting role. With so many unknowns, it becomes important for us to bring in a steady player who has proven that he can do it in the league. Someone who is reliable. Someone who gives you meaningful play. Someone cheap. Someone who looks like a complete dude (essential). So, I think its pretty clear:

Let's give Joakim Noah a call and bring that wild mane Central Florida.

What do you think of my free agent targets? Like them? Hate them? Did I miss someone? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter @philharlowuk and @thecloseupmagic. You can also hear me on The Pick n' Rock n' Roll: An Orlando Magic Podcast. Search for us in your favorite app and add us on Twitter @picknrocknroll.