2017 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: D.J. Augustin

Mar 15, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Denver Nuggets guard D.J. Augustin (12) moves to the basket as Orlando Magic guard Brandon Jennings (55) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Orlando Magic have been trying to find an answer at backup point guard. They may have found it in D.J. Augustin.

The controversial Orlando Magic offseason got underway with the addition of veteran point guard D.J. Augustin. Following a great second half with the Denver Nuggets, the Magic felt Augustin could become a key part of this team moving forward.

Orlando signed Augustin to a four-year, $29 million deal. From the start, it looked as if the Magic see Augustin as the primary backup to Elfrid Payton. This comes right after the team signed C.J. Watson to fill that role. But Watson’s 2015 season was ravaged with injuries.

Sadly, Watson’s ineffectiveness really hurt the Magic as there was no answer to replace Payton when he was sidelined with an injury in December and January. There was a major hole behind Payton the Magic needed to fill.

Enter D.J. Augustin.

There is a real chance Augustin has found his home in Orlando. He has been career backup who has been an up-and-down player for most of his career. Seeking stability, Augustin may have found the perfect match with a Magic team that was lacking depth and veteran leadership.

Throughout his career, Augustin has molded himself into a prototypical backup point guard. If he plays like he did with the Nuggets, the Magic should be pleased with what they get out of Augustin.

Augustin’s ability to stay on the floor and be a leader within the second unit is going to be what determines how successful he will be in 2017.

Nov 27, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) guards Oklahoma City Thunder guard D.J. Augustin (14) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

What to look for

Augustin ended last season on a high note. That should continue with the Magic as he should play a similar role and could be gifted almost all of the reserve point guard minutes.

Augustin has a silky smooth jump shot that allows him to hit jumpers from any spot on the floor. He shot better than 42 percent from 3-point range last season and has a 37 percent average for his career. The Magic have been desperate for players who can spread the floor.

That is something Augustin will surely provide.

The rest of his offensive game is solid too.

Augustin has the ability to drive the lane using his speed and craftiness. His small frame keeps him away from big rim protectors. But he can also create space and score on occasion.

For his career, Augustin has scored just shy of 10 points per game. He also has a 48.2 percent effective field goal percentage.

Another key to Augustin’s game is his passing. Augustin can run an offense and dish it to open shooters when they crash on him in the paint. His ability to have the ball in his hands and initiate head coach Frank Vogel’s offense is going to be key with the second team.

Although Augustin is a little on the smaller side, his defense should not be a major issue. He will be playing against backup point guards who will not be as good as the point guards Payton will be matched up with.

Overall, Magic fans should expect to see Augustin on the court on a nightly basis. He has been pretty durable throughout his career and that will have to continue for him to find success with the up and coming Orlando roster.

Apr 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard D.J. Augustin (12) talks with referee Lauren Holtkamp (7) in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

What could go wrong

The worst thing that can happen to Augustin this season? Injury.

Orlando cannot afford to be without a reliable option behind Payton. It was a big reason as to why the Magic sputtered throughout January and the middle of the season.

If Augustin is healthy, the biggest struggle for the veteran point guard will be consistency. Reserve players frequently struggle with playing at a consistent level and it could very well happen to Augustin.

That inconsistent play has hurt Augustin’s career.

He has been bounced around the league so much and he has not been able to find a long-term home. The Magic have gifted him that and it could backfire. If Augustin’s career continues like it has been, he may not be in central Florida for long.

Of course, there is a chance Augustin’s defense could become a major issue too.

Last season, Shabazz Napier struggled defensively and really hurt the Magic during his time to prove his worth.

Augustin has never had a positive defensive box plus-minus, according to Basketball-Reference. Essentially he has always been a worse defender than the average player. Often significantly worse.

Last season he posted a -2.7 defensive box plus-minus. His team was 2.7 points per 100 possessions worse with him on the floor on defense. Perhaps having Bismack Biyombo behind him will cover up some of the defensive mistakes. But Augustin is not a strong defensive player.

If that does not improve, expect Vogel to look for another option as defense will come first and foremost with the Magic in 2017.

Nov 5, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard D.J. Augustin (14) dribbles the ball around Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks (0) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Projections

After many years without a steady home, Augustin has finally found one.

Orlando is a place where he can thrive. With a new environment and a stable future, Augustin should be in for one of the better years in his career.

Realistically, Augustin has the ability to put up 11 points per game and around four assists per game. He will be the primary backup to Payton and could see nights where he plays well more than 20 minutes.

The time Augustin sees on the floor should be pretty consistent and that could help out his numbers. In particular, his shooting percentages.

I expect him to keep on par with his career totals and shoot about 40 percent from behind the arc, 47 percent inside the arc and have a near 50 percent effective field goal percentage.

Now, as a backup point guard, these are some very good numbers. Augustin could be one of the underrated factors that gets the Magic back into the playoff hunt.

Mar 27, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard D.J. Augustin (12) shoots the ball as Los Angeles Clippers guard JJ Redick (4) defends during the first half at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Nuggets 105-90. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Overall Outlook

The 2017 campaign should be one of the best in Augustin’s career. He does not have to worry about the trading block, free agency or anything else.

Just basketball.

Augustin’s days on the move can be over. It is now up to him to play solid games on a nightly basis. All of the distractions can be put aside.

It is his time to be one of the main cogs coming off the bench and have a prominent role again.

Augustin’s role should be cemented from the start of camp. He should be coming off the bench to give the Magic a scoring spark. He has the skill set to be very successful in that role.

With a tremendous 3-point shot, the ability to run a NBA offense effectively and the veteran know-how to set his teammates up, it is hard to find a way for Augustin to fail outside of injury.

Somtehing that will get overlooked is the fact Augustin will be a veteran leader and a player who could make a positive impact on young guards like Payton and Mario Hezonja. The off-court impact he makes is something that may be shoved under the rug, but is key to Orlando’s development.

The Magic took a risk in brining in Augustin. It is his time to prove he can be a part of this roster that is moving  towards postseason play.

More from Orlando Magic Daily

This article originally appeared on