Free Agency Targets: Forwards

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 no Durant offer sheets I'm afraid).

So let's take a look at the Small and Power Forward positions. In the modern game roles become less defined, so I will look at both Forward slots together. Aaron Gordon had a good season. His assists climbed to 3.7 per game and his FT% hit a career high. Despite a slight drop in his points (16.0), his defensive play was much more disciplined. Very solid. Jonathan Isaac had a very good year. In what was essentially his rookie season, having missed 55 games of the previous campaign, he really began to show Orlando what he can do. 9.6 points per game. 1.3 blocks. 5.5 rebounds. These are all very encouraging stats, and he went on a tear post All Star break. Wes Iwundu, while producing nothing really memorable, was very dependable when he entered the game. He gave the team 5.0 points and 2.7 assists across 18.1 minutes of action. He became an important part of the second unit. Jarrell Martin was also a steady hand when called upon. The unexpected drafting of Chuma Okeke, a 6'8” Power Forward, has changed the outlook on the Magic's needs. Despite being out until at least the new year with a torn ACL, we have a core group of Forwards in place. In Free Agency I'm not not looking at signing a long term, major part of the team. I'd like us to add some veteran leadership to back up the encouraging growth of our projected line up. Our young group is developing nicely, and these are two players I think would be perfect to help them develop:

Trevor Ariza – Unrestricted Free Agent

2018-19 Stats:

• 12.5 PPG (Career 10.7 PPG)

• 5.4 REB (Career 4.8 REB)

• 39.4 FG% (Career 42.2 FG%)

Trevor Ariza is well travelled in the last 12 months, currently on his third team. His departure from Houston seemed to have an affect on their poor start, and it's easy to see why. He is a very dependable pro who can be relied upon. While never spectacular, he is a glue guy. He comes in and does the basics well. He had a career year with points per game, despite being 33 years old. Effective on the glass, he also averaged a very solid 3.6 assists. He can also make three pointers at a good clip, averaging 35.1% from deep over his career. His calming presence and passing ability would be very beneficial. His numbers are solid and would be great on the second unit. In fact over the last four seasons he has tallied over 5000 points, 2000 rebounds, 1000 three pointers and 700 steals. Only Curry, George and Harden have matched that during the same period. Very impressive.

His defensive skills would also be welcome. He is a real 3 and D guy. He can make steals. He uses his length well to defend, and would be ideal to come into the game for either Forward. There would not be a drop off, and his assist/turnover ratio is low. The experience of Ariza would be fantastic to have around Isaac and Gordon, and would really help their development. As I mentioned, he is 33 years old and that is fine with me. In the forward positions I'm not looking to sign a young Free Agent to a long deal, particularly following the drafting of Chuma Okeke. Instead, the locker room presence of a seasoned veteran like Ariza would be pivotal to the continued growth of the Magic.

In his journeyman 2018-19 season, he earned $15m. That figure should drop a little with his next deal given his age, although his career high points and still consistent shooting from deep puts him in a strong position. His skills on both ends are desirable in the league, so a one year over pay may be the way to go to secure his services. I wouldn't be against a single season rental to get a player like Ariza on board, but wouldn't be looking at anything that harms our cap flexibility long term. A 15 year pro like him is always great to have around, particularly when they can still contribute meaningfully on the floor.

Marcus Morris – Unrestricted Free Agent

2018-19 Stats:

• 13.9 PPG (Career 11.5 PPG)

• 6.1 REB (Career 4.6 AST)

• 44.7 FG% (Career 43.1 FG%)

Marcus Morris is the kind of guy that I have wanted to see on the Magic for a long time. A big vocal presence who truly gets involved in the game. He is a well built Power Forward and knows how to use his body. He posted a career year on the boards with 6.1, while committing only 2.4 fouls per game. Those are Clifford numbers. In his eighth year in the league he shot a personal best from beyond the arc of 44.7%, despite attempting almost 100 more than he had previously. He is very dependable on both ends of the floor, and would fit into our system well. His post up play is very solid and he draws attention inside and outside the paint. On the second unit, his controlled play would be welcomed.

His defensive skills would be a great addition to the team. His no nonsense approach makes him a menace to opposition. He can get in their heads and I would like to see him pass this onto our group. It is essential that, if this doesn't develop naturally, they are surrounded by players like Morris who impart their style of play on others. I would expect more than 0.3 blocks per game from a player like him, but those can be improved within a group of defensive players. Using speed and athleticism, he is able to guard well. He only missed 7 regular season games, which would good for Orlando with the extended absence of Okeke. He is a two way player, exactly what this Front Office look for when chasing talent.

Marcus Morris turns 31 in September, and I would imagine he is looking for some security. He earnt $5m in the 2018-19 season, while producing very solid displays for Boston. The current situation with the Celtics makes it likely that they will try to hold on to him. While I'm not massively into signing Morris (he was in and out of my Fantasy team last year on an almost weekly basis), I would certainly make a call. How much would and how long I would offer is difficult to know. I'd see if he had interest in possibly $6-7m over 2 years, but it's hard to say if that would peak his interest. I would love his toughness and personality on the team though, so that may sway my figures if it came down to it.

Notable mentions: Tobias Harris (THANKS HENNIGAN), DeMarre Carroll, Thadeus Young, Julius Randle

To be honest, our stable of Forwards is pretty solid. I don't think that it is an area of need anymore. Both Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac are developing nicely, having fitted into the Coach Clifford system very well. The back up play of Wes Iwundu and, eventually, Chuma Okeke make the roles pretty much sewn up. I think that the Front Office have more pressing needs in other positions, but if they do sign a Forward then I'd like a one year rental veteran. Someone to come in and not disrupt the team, while adding meaningful minutes. So, if you feel the need:

Give Trevor Ariza a year in the City Beautiful. I won't begrudge him that.

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.