Fun With Lineups: The 2014 Orlando Magic
Apr 5, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) reacts after hitting a three-point basket in the fourth quarter to give Orlando the lead for the remainder of the game as the Magic beat the Timberwolves 100-92 at Amway Center. Oladipo finished with 16 points. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Starting Lineup: Victor Oladipo, Evan Fournier, Maurice Harkless, Channing Frye, Nikola Vucevic
This is a lineup that appears balanced on both sides of the ball. Victor Oladipo’s NBA fate is playing off the ball, but until Elfrid Payton is ready to move into the starting lineup, Oladipo will remain in that point guard spot. In his first season the Magic struggled on the offensive end, finishing 30th in offensive efficiency. There were some highlights, however. As the season progressed, Oladipo looked to be more comfortable in the pick-and-roll, his defense against other point guards improved, defending point guards to the tune of a 13.8 PER, and allowing just 432% from the floor. At the end of the season, Oladipo finished the season with numbers comparable to Russell Westbrook in his first season as a point guard.
Now, give Oladipo two high-level shooters in Evan Fournier (37.5% shooting from three last season) and Frye (career 38.5 three point shooter) should help him improve on the offensive end. Fournier was underutilized in Denver, but in Orlando, his game should be able to thrive. There’s a bit of everything in Fournier’s game- ball-handling, coming off screens, and shooting threes. He’s a downgrade from Arron Afflalo overall, but a solid shooter nonetheless.
Frye is the massive upgrade at the power forward spot. A catalyst in Phoenix’s magical 2013-2014 season, Frye offers Orlando a veteran presence and floor spacer in the frontcourt. A career 40 percent three-point shooter, Frye gives Oladipo a partner to run both the pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop, and a fair defender to team with Vucevic.