Orlando Magic Mid-Season Player Grades

Jason Smith has been a pleasant surprise this season for Orlando. He ranks No. 2 in the NBA in mid-range jumpers, and the Magic may not have had a better high-post shooter in franchise history since Horace Grant.

Smith has also been great with help-side defense and rotations, and he is blocking 1.7 shots per-36. Smith also averages 15 points and six boards per-36, highlighting just how effective he has been in an average of only 15 minutes per night.

The offensive and defensive ratings given by our panel seem to indicate Smith could serve a larger role.

He is shooting near a career high of 51.4 percent from the field and the only quip may be that he does not step a couple feet back to launch the three. But Smith’s ability to play within himself and stay in his shooting range is what has made him so effective.

The Magic snagged a key role player, and few expected his role to be filled so well.

As a true seven-footer, Smith is able to fill the vacuum at center when Vucevic is out of the game. Sometimes role players have career years and Skiles seems to have ignited one within Smith.

Next: Dedmon Dead Off