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Orlando Magic Free Agency Preview: The Point Guards

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers guard C.J. Watson (32) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Indiana Pacers defeated the Orlando Magic 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers guard C.J. Watson (32) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Indiana Pacers defeated the Orlando Magic 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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C.J. Watson, Indiana Pacers
Jan 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers guard C.J. Watson (32) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Indiana Pacers defeated the Orlando Magic 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Orlando Magic should be in the market for a backup point guard this summer. There are several reliable options — and some wild cards — to explore.

There are several steps the Orlando Magic need to get to before July’s free agency period begins.

There is a coach to hire. There is the Draft to prepare for. The Playoffs have to finish.

Just like every piece of the Magic’s rebuild this summer, it is all equally important. Free agency is vital to the Magic’s rebuilding efforts this summer.

There have already been plenty of speculation and wish lists written on this site and others about where the Magic should go and what they should do in free agency. There has to be a plan in place to fill specific needs going from the Draft to free agency. And it all has to fit into their new coach’s vision for the team, at least theoretically.

Tommy Beer of Basketball Insiders is starting his free agency previews with the point guards. It is really worth a read as it gives a good picture of which players are available this summer.

The Magic realistically are not in the market for a starting point guard, so end those dreams for Goran Dragic or anyone big. Orlando is not about to spend big money — or possibly their draft pick on Emmanuel Mudiay or D’Angelo Russell — on a starting point guard.

But the Magic need a backup point guard — bad.

This past year, Payton played 2,414 minutes at point guard according to Basketball-Reference. Of the remaining, 1,522 minutes at point guard left in the season, Victor Oladipo played 746 minutes at point guard and Luke Ridnour played all 683 minutes at point guard. That is 1,429 of those minutes.

To say the least, a backup point guard plan of a mix of Oladipo, Ridnour and Willie Green is not going to work long term if you want to eventually compete in the Playoffs.

The Magic will be in the market for a backup point guard this summer. So here are some point guard suggestions.

Next: C.J. Watson