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Trends or Mirages: Breaking down this year’s Orlando Magic

By Brett David Roberts

Mar 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and guard Victor Oladipo (5) high five after he made a basket in the act of getting fouled against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Amway Center. Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and guard Victor Oladipo (5) high five after he made a basket in the act of getting fouled against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Amway Center. Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic, Kent Bazemore, Atlanta Hawks
Dec 20, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Evan Fournier (10) drives to the basket past Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) during the second quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Mirage: Evan Fournier as a No. 1 Option

Evan Fournier began the season on fire. But, until his breakout performance Sunday night against the Atlanta Hawks, he had fallen off badly. In the five games previous to the Atlanta game, Fournier had shot just 33.3 percent from the floor and failed score in double figures in four of those five contests.

Even in the Hawks game, Fournier still attempted just eight field goals, and he is now averaging just six attempts per game in his last five. His role has noticeably decreased, and it has all coincided with Victor Oladipo’s move to the bench, strangely enough.

Figuring out why it has affected Fournier’s role is trickier to do, but he is now looking much more like the role player of seasons past than the semi-star he had been throughout Orlando’s first 14 games.

This mirage is adumbrate, and there does not seem to be any sign of Fournier returning to the high-usage player he was throughout the first month of the season.

It could be a blessing in disguise if it drives Fournier’s bidding price as a free agent down. Fournier’s brilliant second half against the Hawks hardly negates the weeks of mediocrity leading to the outburst.

However, even if Fournier posts 12-14 points per game by season’s end (likely), he could still be out of Orlando’s price range given that Victor Oladipo appears to be a much more sound choice to spend the money on — at least at this point.

Next: Sophomore Struggles