Orlando Magic Daily
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Orlando Magic new backcourt depth will increase wins

By Brett David Roberts

Dec 15, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) dribbles the ball up court against Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) dribbles the ball up court against Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Miami Heat guard Shabazz Napier (13) dribbles the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Miami Heat guard Shabazz Napier (13) dribbles the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Options at point guard and beyond

Connecticut product Shabazz Napier is a pretty lethal shooter just getting his NBA feet wet, and he should be good for more than the 36 percent 3-point shooting he achieved in his rookie season.

He saw just less than 20 minutes per game for the Miami Heat, after being petitioned as the pick by a soon-to-leave LeBron James. While James’ endorsement of Napier may not be the ultimate clincher for his talents, his national championship does speak to his ability to play in pressure games. He is a winner.

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Watson meanwhile brings a wealth of experience and is a good scorer and distributor.

He can start in a pinch. The Magic simply could not make that statement about Luke Ridnour nor any other option behind Payton last season. Watson hits triples at a 40 percent clip and keeps his turnovers down. It is no surprise the Magic had coveted Watson dating back to Otis Smith‘s time as Magic general manager.

The lack of depth last season really left Payton to sink or swim as a rookie — and he swam by and large. But Payton will not necessarily have to be looking over his shoulder.

He will be relieved to have Watson’s veteran presence aboard. Watson is a quiet leader and leads by example, but that is probably for the best given that Payton is to become the leader of this team as it advances.

Together, they could band together to give this team an edge in the locker room and on the court. A team can have multiple leaders.

Next: Versatile options at shooting guard too