2018-19 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Terrence Ross

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ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 14: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic celebrates after making the game winning shot against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 14, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Terrence Ross worked himself back from injury and turned himself into a catalyst for one of the most memorable seasons in Orlando Magic history.

The beginnings of Terrence Ross‘ season came at the end of the 2018 season.

Terrence Ross had missed 58 games with a non-displaced fracture of his right tibial plateau and a sprained MCL. It eliminated most of his season and he only returned for a brief cameo in two fo the final three games.

That was dipping his toe back in the water. He was clearly rusty and needed to get back on the court. This was a small step in the right direction. Just proof of concept he could play.

When the summer started, he had already taken enough time off and enough time off. The rest of the summer would be spent in the gym at the Amway Center. He would get his shot down and get himself healthy again. Ross would make sure he was ready when the season began.

It did not hurt he was heading into a contract year. The pressure was certainly on Ross to perform.

Quickly it was clear Ross’ hard work had paid off. He will get those rewards this offseason. But for the 2019 season, few players were as important as Ross to the Orlando Magic’s success.

From the first games of the season, it was clear Ross would give the Magic something they have not had in a very long time. A pure bench scorer who could change the energy of a game quickly. A guy who could miss his first six shots and then make the next six to win the game.

That was Ross over and over again throughout the season. A player who could hit shots in bunches and at the right moments. There were several games in the fourth quarter that Ross took over or saved. It is easy to track five, maybe six, maybe more games that Ross won with his shotmaking and play.

The threat of Ross off the bench changed so much for the Magic.

His ability to win games for the team seemingly on his own or change the game on his own endeared him to fans. The calls to give him a lifetime contract were numerous from fans. There will be a fair amount of disappointment if he leaves.

That does not from nothing. Ross did a lot to endear himself to fans and contribute to the Magic’s playoff run.