Free Agency Targets: Shooting 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 Thompson offer sheets I'm afraid).
So, let's take a look at the Shooting Guard position. Evan Fournier had a down year. A very down year all things considered. His name became mud to a lot of Magic fans, particularly after his comments about McGrady v Durant. But, his play on the court was the biggest concern to the crowd. He just wasn't performing, posting his lowest numbers in points and assists since his first year with the Magic (13.5ppg and 2.5 assists). Not good enough with his contract. But thankfully we had Terrence Ross backing him up. The Human Torch was great for Orlando, making a career high 15.1ppg. He was instant offence off the bench and a menace to second units. Our best perimeter player, he was essential in our race to the Playoffs. However, his future is in question this summer with his Free Agency. Losing his buckets would be devastating to the team and would need to be replaced. So where will we turn if that happens? Or who should we look to add even if we keep him? Can Evan have a bounce back year? These are big questions, so let's look at two players I would like us see make an offer to.
Danny Green – Unrestricted Free Agent
2018-19 Stats:
10.3 PPG (Career 9.0 PPG)
1.6 AST (Career 1.6 AST)
45.5 3PT% (Career 40.4 3P%)
Danny Green began the season as a part of the Kawhi Leonard trade. He ended the season as an important part of the NBA Champions. He is a really solid player who would be a fantastic addition to the Magic. While he has always been a good three point shooter, he truly raised his game this season. He made a career best 45.5% from distance, while attempting his second highest amount in a season. He also made 46.6% from the field. His production would be perfect for this team. He is very dependable and rarely makes mistakes. If Ross goes, Green would fill that gap immediately. His real +/- of 4.47 leads all Shooting Guards. He makes a more positive impact on his team than any other in his position in the league. More than Thompson. More than Mitchell. More than McCollum. He is DEPENDABLE.
I see his age as a benefit to the young core of Orlando. He is 32, with 10 seasons under his belt. He is a very experienced player and would be a great veteran to have in the locker room. His calm head and knowledge of navigating through a championship run is the exact sort of guidance that has been missing in this team. He is also a great defender. On the perimeter he is trusted to alter shots and has good quickness. The Magic are building a defensive identity, and Green would solidify that. He posted a second best year in rebounding numbers at 4.0. I'd like his block numbers to break through his 0.7 per game from this season, but he plays hounding defence so is always affecting plays. He missed just two regular season game too, which is a sign of a resilient, healthy player.
His salary for this past season was $10m, and you can imagine him getting more next season. Who knows how much with recency bias. He has clearly enjoyed his time in Toronto and probably wants to stay on. But he will be extremely desirable to other teams following his championship winning play. I would personally be willing to over pay in order to secure his services for a couple of years. He would be so beneficial to this team, and is the exact player I've wanted for a while. Our veteran additions of Mo Speights, Aaron Afflalo etc in recent years didn't pan out, but I think Green would be a home run. He should be someone we are seriously making a run at.
JJ Redick – Unrestricted Free Agent
2018-19 Stats:
18.1 PPG (Career 12.9 PPG)
2.7 AST (Career 2.0 AST)
39.7 3P% (Career 41.3 3P%)