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Orlando Magic Free Agency Preview: The Small Forwards

By Philip Rossman-Reich

May 3, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) during the first quarter in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) during the first quarter in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /
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DeMarre Carroll, Atlanta Hawks

DeMarre Carroll had one of the bigger contract years of any player in the league. The contract year phenomena is a favorite storyline for players about to hit free agency, but Carroll went from 11.1 points per game to 12.6 points per game last season, but it seemed like so much more. He shot a 57.9 percent effective field goal percentage and his 3-point shooting improved to 39.5 percent on the year.

Maybe that is what happens when you start playing for a 60-win team rather than a 40-win team and go from just scratching to make the Playoffs to one of the top teams.

More than that, his Playoff numbers were even better — 14.6 points per game and a 56.8 percent effective field goal percentage.

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Milwaukee Bucks add DeMarre Carroll to coaching staff
Milwaukee Bucks add DeMarre Carroll to coaching staff /

Behind the Buck Pass

  • Former Atlanta Hawks player added to Bucks coaching staff Soaring Down South
  • Toronto Raptors: 3 worst free agent contracts in team history Raptors Rapture
  • Chicago Bulls: 6 free agents to sign to give the team a much needed jolt Pippen Ain't Easy
  • Brooklyn Nets: 3 former Nets they would love to have right now Nothin' But Nets
  • Portland Trail Blazers: 3 free agents who could make an impact Rip City Project

    • Is this just a flash in the pan? Was this just a contract year bump? What do we make of Carroll and what does that bring to his market?

    Carroll is a great secondary option on an offense. He fits the 3-and-D mold, having cut his teeth in the league mostly on his defense. That did not go away, it was his offense that seemed to catch up and grab everyone’s attention this past season.

    What makes Carroll such an interesting fit for a team like the Magic is that he could provide the spacing for the young guys the Magic want to build around, and he is not going to demand the ball from them. The Magic can keep giving the ball to Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton and have a guy like Carroll as the outlet.

    That is pretty valuable. But how much are you willing to pay for it? How much is anyone?

    Carroll has a certain set of skills but paying $12 million per year seems a lot for a guy who is going to be a fourth option in an offense. And there is always the chance he could fall back to his career averages outside of Mike Budenholzer’s system.

    Next: Jeff Green, Memphis Grizzlies