Retrospective: The Top-10 Power Forwards in Orlando Magic History

8. Brandon Bass

Brandon Bass was a player whose potential was greeted with excitement when the Magic signed the former LSU Tiger. He was coming from the same university that hailed the greatest Magic talent ever, and he had the athleticism and drive to be an All-Star.

That, of course, never happened, but Bass has blossomed into a very good pro, and a guy whose consistency alone makes him worthy of a spot in any NBA rotation.

Bass spent two seasons in Orlando and played in 126 games (54 starts).  Bass averaged 11.2 points and 5.6 rebounds in 2011, his final in Orlando.  He was dealt to the Boston Celtics for Glen Davis, in a move that is still somewhat perplexing (except for Dwight Howard‘s perplexing desire to be teammates with Bass). Bass averaged 10.6 points and 4.9 rebounds for Boston this season in 23.5 minutes a night.

Per-36, he was good for 16.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals/blocks. He is a very productive player and his defensive talents are understated. 

While he did get torched by LeBron James in the postseason while with the Celtics, he was put on James to begin with, which says something about his talents as a defender.

His best game of the season came against Orlando, too (below):

Bass is capable of covering the 4 and the 5 spot very well, and can slip out on the perimeter to hedge guards in pick and rolls. Bass keeps his fouls low, too, while still playing physical and occasionally going for a reach and steal. 

Overall, he is one of the better power forwards the Magic have had, despite the fact he put up rather humble stats.

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