Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Devyn Marble

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Mar 16, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Orlando Magic guard Devyn Marble (11) reacts to a foul call in the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Magic 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Devyn Marble was a player who can mix things up defensively and bring energy on that end. But he did not take a major step forward in his second year.

In his second NBA season, Devyn Marble had to fight for every minute of playing time he received. Despite his lack of statistical production for both the Orlando Magic and down in the D-League with the Erie Bayhawks, the former Iowa Hawkeye showed some promise as a hustle player, with at least some defensive potential.

Coming into the 2016 campaign, it is fair to say expectations were fairly low for Devyn Marble. Few expected much out of the former second round pick, who had struggled tremendously in his rookie season, averaging just 2.3 points and 1.9 rebounds pergame with shooting numbers of 31.8 percent overall and 18.2 percent from beyond the arc and a lowly 31.3 percent from the foul line.

The swingman also had to wait his turn, being at the backend of a logjam of players at his position — Tobias Harris, Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon and rookie Mario Hezonja were all ahead of him at the small forward spot. This led to Marble spending some time in Erie with the Bayhawks, where his struggles continued, averaging 14.8 Points and 5.2 Rebounds on 39.8 percent shooting from the field, and a solid, if unspectacular 35.3 percent from beyond the arc in 14 games.

But as the season approached its end, Marble became more of an active contributor for the Magic, particularly on the defensive end. Bringing hustle and energy off the bench, his active defense led to him having more playing time in the final few games of the season. It culminated with a successful last-second steal that helped secure a dramatic 112-109 win over the Miami Heat, giving Orlando their first home win against their rivals since 2012.

Looking forward, Marble’s future with the Magic and in the NBA is still questionable – but this season he went about displaying some of the potential skills he could show in the years ahead, if he can find a contract with his entering free agency this summer.

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