Free Agency Targets: Point Guard

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 Irving offer sheets I'm afraid).

So, let's take a look at the Point Guard position. D.J. Augustin was great for the Magic last season. His calm head and solid play on the court was a big reason we made the post season. 11.7 PPG, 5.3 AST. Not spectacular, but solid. Isaiah Briscoe was also a spark plug when he played. Following the pretty dismal production of Jerian Grant, the fight and tenacity from Briscoe really boosted the team. The addition of Michael Carter-Williams following Isaiah going down really pushed the team over the top. Coming off the bench, he was a real menace to opponents and surprisingly effective. 5.4 PPG with 4.1 assists. Nothing pushes you harder than knowing one shit game and your contract is DONE. While both MCW and Briscoe are unlikely to return, we do have Augustin for one more year. And then there's Markelle Fultz. I don't have much to write about at this stage because he is such a mystery. Will he be the answer? Will he be a bust? Who knows, but let's look at two players who could well be the the future of the Magic if everything falls into place.

D'Angelo Russell – Restricted Free Agent

 2018-19 Stats:

• 21.1 PPG (Career 16.5 PPG)

• 3.9 REB (Career 3.7 REB)

• 7.0 AST (Career 5.1 AST)

Russell would be a big signing if the Magic could pull it off. It would signify that we have truly turned the page and have become a destination for Free Agents. While he is not in the superstar level of players available this summer, he is certainly a very good player. He performed fantastic for the Nets this season, posting career high numbers in points, rebounds and assists. He has found his place in the league and is becoming a real force. This was recognized by his voting into the 2019 All Star game. The addition of Russell would provide a dilemma elsewhere, with Markelle Fultz still waiting to stake his claim for the Point Guard spot. Or to be honest, WE are waiting for him to stake his claim. Would the addition of Russell lead to the eventual end of Fultz? It's hard to say for sure, but given the rumored mental issues that he has regarding the game, it's hard to see how the addition of an All Star caliber player in his position can provide any positive benefits.

 Despite this, the dynamic play of D'Angelo Russell would be awesome to see in Orlando. He will get the fan base excited with his great handles and on court vision. He would help to tap into more of the potential of Gordon and Isaac with his passing. At just 23 years old, the future is bright. He remained healthy throughout the season, missing just one game. This, along with a huge improvement in his game, allowed him to be 14th in PPG across the entire league. His defensive play could certainly improve, but with his size (6'5”) and athleticism I don't see this being a problem going forward. The coaching staff in Orlando would no doubt see to that. His 3.1 turnovers per game also need to come down, but with still being a young player there is plenty of time to tighten those up.

 If Kyrie Irving does move to Brooklyn, then it seems very likely that Russell will move on. Orlando has been mentioned in potential destinations. His All Star nod has increased his value in the league, and his salary will reflect that along with his age. Would management be looking at making a big offer, possibly up to a max contract in the region of $27m per year? Would you hand that out? If they have reservations about Fultz already, then they may well try to get Russell. The future with him running the offence would be VERY bright.

Malcolm Brogdon – Restricted Free Agent

 2018-19 Stats:

• 15.6 PPG (Career 12.8)

• 4.5 REB (Career 3.5)

• 3.2 AST (Career 3.6)

 

Malcolm Brogdon would be an interesting prospect to consider making an offer to. He had a strong season at Milwaukee, posting career numbers in points and rebounds. Being a combo guard makes him intriguing for Orlando's needs at both position. Although he suffered an injury that kept him out of the final month of the regular season and forced him to miss part of the playoffs, his importance to the leagues best regular season team cannot be underestimated. He averaged 50% from the field, 40% from three and 90% from the free throw line. Only seven other players had ever achieved those numbers. He is elite at catch and shoot threes, which is going to be a glaring deficiency in the Magic's offence should they lose Terrence Ross. He is also great at driving to the hoop and finishing, with a 61% success rate. The thought of him in Orlando is interesting. With him splitting duties between the 1 and 2, and spreading the floor with his long range shooting, he would add a different edge to the Magic's game. The addition of a second shooter elsewhere through the draft would open up the line for drives to the paint. Brogdon would take advantage of both scenarios, and playing with Fultz behind or alongside him would create line up options. His defensive skills would also be a welcome addition to the team, although I would like to see an improvement on his 0.2 blocks per game.

 Despite missing significant time for the second straight season due to a leg injury, his performances have made him extremely desirable as he becomes a Restricted Free Agent. Reports around the league have been suggesting that he would be in line for a four year, $60m contract. $15m per year for a player of Brogdon's ability seems like a good deal, and he is still fairly young at 26. The Bucks have a few decisions to make this off season, and the Bledsoe contract has eaten up cap space. I personally think that he will stay with Milwaukee following their successful season, but would welcome the combo guard joining Orlando.

 Notable mentions: Jeremy Lin, Ricky Rubio, Terry Rozier

Let's face it, we're all very intrigued by the prospect of signing D'Angello Russell right? Bringing him to Orlando would be the crowning addition to our young core. His age lines up with the structure of the team nicely. If we can draft a shooting guard who is locked in from three and a constant worry for the opposition at any time, then I'd be very confident going forward. The media would have to take notice. So, in conclusion:

 GO AFTER RUSSELL...he does have a 6'9” wingspan after all.

 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.