Orlando Magic Free Agency Preview: The Point Guards
By Sam Skubala
In the 2016 NBA season, the Orlando Magic’s point guard rotation struggled immensely. Does the 2016 NBA Free Agent class offer a potential antidote to the Magic’s issue?
The 2016 was a season where the Orlando Magic struggled at the point guard position.
Elfrid Payton struggled to build on a strong rookie campaign, with his defense in particular regressing. C.J. Watson was plagued by injury for much of the campaign, and looked out of sorts when on the court. Shabazz Napier and 10-day contract signing Keith Appling both struggled to earn a place in an already weakened rotation. And Brandon Jennings, brought in following the trade that sent Tobias Harris to the Detroit Pistons, struggled on both ends of the floor despite a promising first game.
At this stage it appears as though the Magic are keeping faith with Elfrid Payton as their starting point guard for the future, but Orlando certainly requires greater depth at the position.
The 2016 free agency class has only one standout player at the point guard position — Mike Conley — but multiple figures who could fill in the second or third point guard role on the Magic’s depth chart. These names include Jeremy Lin, Ramon Sessions and Langston Galloway, among others.
So, who could become part of the Magic’s point guard rotation for 2017?
The Magic have obviously made their move, agreeing to terms with D.J. Augustin. But let’s look at who else is in the class.
Next: The current crop