The Orlando Magic spent some money on a free agent power forward last year. They are still in need of one after Channing Frye struggled. Who is available?
Like the small forwards, the Orlando Magic have a definite need at power forward.
With Nikola Vucevic firmly entrenched at center, the Magic are searching for a complement to pair with him. That means someone who can help space the floor for Vucevic (possibly even go into the post when Vucevic pops out for jumpers). It is not an easy thing to find.
Many have turned their focus toward Kristaps Porzingis in the NBA Draft as that perfect compliment. That obviously did not come to fruition. The Magic opted to fill other needs, leaving a gaping hole at power forward they still need to fill.
And there is already the little problem that the Magic tried to fill that power forward positional need last summer with Channing Frye. That move obviously did not fill the need as Frye did not work out. His defensive shortcomings were too much for the Magic to overcome. His offense never got into complete rhythm (despite a solid shooting percentage within his own career) and the Magic had to reduce him to a reserve role.
It seems that is where Frye will be best this year. And while Dewayne Dedmon provided a nice boost defensively, his offense left a lot to be wanting. The Magic likely believe Dedmon is better suited as a center and a backup to Nikola Vucevic for the long term.
That puts them back in the market for a power forward. And should the Magic not go that way in the Draft, they will have to pick carefully to find the right guy to pair with Vucevic while still making their offense hum.
We already reviewed the point guards, shooting guards and small forwards free agent class. Once again, Tommy Beer of Basketball Insiders provides a solid look at the power forward free agent class, which we will dive into more here.
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