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Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Channing Frye

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) loses the ball under pressure from Orlando Magic forward Channing Frye and guard Willie Green (34) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) loses the ball under pressure from Orlando Magic forward Channing Frye and guard Willie Green (34) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kyle O'Quinn, Channing Frye, orlando Magic
Dec 19, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Kyle O’Quinn (2) and forward Channing Frye (8) talk against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2016 Outlook

Channing Frye is not going anywhere. Even with his front-loaded contract (his contract will decrease over the course of the contract), he has $23.4 million due in the next three years, according to Basketball Insiders. That will be difficult to move, especially if Frye continues to struggle on the defensive end.

And this goes even with the increase in the cap that is due really to kick in next summer. It makes it very hard to get anything of value for Frye — and the length remaining on his deal does not help.

Expect Frye to be on the Magic next year, regardless of who the coach is. And like many players, Frye desperately needs a new coach to use him properly.

Jan 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Channing Frye (8) reacts with a referee after being called for a foul against the Indiana Pacers in 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; Orlando Magic forward Channing Frye (8) reacts with a referee after being called for a foul against the Indiana Pacers in the second half at Amway Center. Indiana Pacers defeated the Orlando Magic 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Of course, Frye is also 32 years old. His defensive shortcomings are not going anywhere. If the Magic will play him major minutes, the new coach will have to find a way to scheme around these shortcomings.

Frye can make himself more valuable by feeling freer to take shots and making them. He can still do that at an incredibly high rate.

This shows Frye still has value in the league. He just needs to show it.

At the end of the day, Frye may not be a great fit in Orlando. His pairing with Vucevic was a complete disaster and that makes the signing immediately a poor one unless it can be remedied in the remainder of his time. But the Magic and Frye have to make the best of things and hope for improvement.

Next: Final Grade