Orlando Magic free agency review at the quarter pole
Oct 12, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo (11) high fives guard C.J. Watson (32) and forward Damjan Rudez (3) against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Amway Center. San Antonio Spurs defeated the Orlando Magic 95-89. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Orlando Magic endeavored to make some big changes this summer with use of some free cap space. At the season’s quarter pole, we review those signings.
The 2016 NBA offseason was an important one for Rob Hennigan and the Orlando Magic.
After four years of a playoff-less rebuild, the team brought in several new faces as they looked to make strides on both ends of the floor. But in particular on defense.
Now 25 games into the season, the Magic are still on the outside looking in, sitting on a 10-14 record. That is good for 11th in the Eastern Conference.
Despite the disappointing record, Orlando has shown notable improvement over the past few games, despite setbacks in losses against the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets.
At times, individuals have shined, including some of the new signings. D.J. Augustin, Bismack Biyombo and even Jeff Green have all had standout games, while Damjan Rudez has played a surprisingly high number of rotation minutes.
But, at this point in the season, how have each of these new free agents graded out?
With the season passing the quarter pole, we take a look at the Magic’s newest acquisitions.
D.J. Augustin
PG, Orlando Magic
B
Of all the new free agent signings, perhaps the biggest surprise package has been point guard D.J. Augustin. Initially brought in to provide a stable veteran presence behind starter Elfrid Payton, instead the 29-year-old proved himself to be a dynamic offensive.
He has been able to score the ball at times when the oft-stagnant Magic offense fell apart. His shooting from deep — 37.8 percent from beyond the arc — combined with a crafty wit around the basket that often sees him get to the free throw line, make him a valuable asset in the dying moments of the shot clock.
But things have been far from perfect for Augustin.
He has struggled on the defensive end of the floor, with his defensive box plus-minus standing at -3.6, the second worst figure for his career. He is rarely a disruptive defensive force, averaging just 0.7 steals per-36 minutes, and less than a single disruption per game.
Furthermore, Augustin’s time on the court has actually seen the Magic perform worse than when he is on the bench. With an on/off rating of -4.5 per game — as opposed to Elfrid Payton’s +4.0 — Augustin’s overall contribution to the team can at times be seen as questionable.
This may also reflect his struggles as a playmaker compared to the younger Payton, with Augustin’s time at the one-guard often seeing the Magic’s passing somewhat decline.
Jeff Green
F, Orlando Magic
C-
Most of the time infuriating, Green has at times shown why so many believe he could have become a dominant scorer in the NBA.
After averaging a paltry 7.2 points and 1.4 rebounds on 32.7 percent shooting and 24.4 percent from deep, Green went on a tear to start December, putting up 16.0 points and 4.0 rebounds on 56.1 percent field goal percentage and 41.7 percent from three.
Scoring from all areas of the court, Green showed himself to be a dominant force, able to score both outside and inside.
Aside from the increased production and efficiency, another crucial note was his ability to get to the line — Green averaged almost four free throws per game, including going 7 for 8 against the Washington Wizards.
But it is the story in the other 19 games that plagues Green’s grade here.
Inefficient and only occasionally productive, Green’s two-way struggles not only blocked other, younger players from gaining much-needed playing time but also were a heavy detriment to the team.
On both ends of the court, it cannot be denied that Green hurts this ball club.
Damjan Rudez
PF, Orlando Magic
C-
Of all the players signed this past offseason, one Magic fans may not have expected to see so much on the court this year is Damjan Rudez.
Averaging 8.5 minutes per game across 13 of the Magic’s 24 games, Rudez is a stretch-big whose primary role has been to space the floor and open up driving lanes for Aaron Gordon, which he has done with only extremely limited success.
Apart from his outside shooting, the Croatian provides little on the court, with a net rating of -16 per 100 possessions. In limited minutes, Rudez should have a role as a stretch-big. But it is questionable that he should be part of the Magic’s regular rotation in the long-term.
Bismack Biyombo
C, Orlando Magic
B
Of all the Magic’s offseason signings, the player with the biggest expectations placed upon his shoulders was undoubtedly Bismack Biyombo. With a 4-year, $72-million contract, Magic general manager Rob Hennigan was expecting Biyombo to be able to replicate his impressive playoff form for the Raptors last season.
Somewhat unsurprisingly, Biyombo has yet to live up to these lofty expectations, although he has no doubt impressed in his first 24 games of the season.
He has done an excellent job of protecting the rim, limiting opponents to shooting just 46.3 percent at the rim, while being the best of the Magic big man trio of him, Nikola Vucevic and Serge Ibaka, at boxing out opposing rebounders.
With a defensive box plus-minus of 2.8, an on/off rating of +4.6 per game, Biyombo undoubtedly has had a positive effect on the Magic.
But, like in all cases, his contribution has not been perfect.
Offensively, he sets good screens and rebounds the ball well, but he has perhaps the worst hands in the NBA. Furthermore, he is an offensive liability outside of three feet of the basket. And without any offensive improvement, he will continue to be so.
He has already been intentionally fouled this season — a career 55.3 percent foul shooter, he has shot only 49.4 at the line this campaign.
Biyombo’s defense and rebounding have been highly beneficial to the Magic this season, but without offensive improvement, his minutes will have to remain limited.
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