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Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Volume 13: No such thing as a free agent

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 21, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Scott Skiles huddles up with center Nikola Vucevic (9) and teammates against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Amway Center. Indiana Pacers defeated the Orlando Magic 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Scott Skiles huddles up with center Nikola Vucevic (9) and teammates against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Amway Center. Indiana Pacers defeated the Orlando Magic 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chandler Parsons, Dallas Mavericks, Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
Mar 1, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) guards Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

From Danny Rodriguez, via e-mail:

"Hello I just have a couple of questions.. 1. Will Magic trade or waive more players this free agency season? Who? Why? 2. Which free agent would be more suitable for the magic roster? Parsons, Lowry, Horford,Noah? 1 or 2 players? Thank you.."

Obviously picked up this question in March when there was a still a chance for more roster moves. As expected, the Magic kind of stood pat for this season. No one really stood out in Erie this year that could help the team and the Magic rotation was pretty full (we can debate whether that is a good thing another day).

What I want to talk about here is what player is the best fit for the roster that the Magic could chase in free agency. That gets to team needs.

So what does this team need?

The place to start is a go-to scorer. The Magic need someone who can create offense and finish games. They need a leader that can carry the team and pick them up when they are starting to struggle. At times, Victor Oladipo seems to look like this guy, but he has been extremely inconsistent.

The next place is to find some length at small forward. As good as Evan Fournier has been paired with Victor Oladipo at small forward, it is pretty clear he does not quite have the size to run that position full time.

The team could also use some players with specific skills. They need a rim protector and more 3-point shooting. They can get some of these needs through internal development, but they will target free agency for some big help.

Al Horford can definitely fill a lot of these needs. He is a solid rim protector and defender and a good leader who can get the ball and calm an offense down.

Mike Conley fits that role too. But both those players are likely seeking more guaranteed winners.

The issue with the Magic’s plan is that it is relying on a free agent taking a risk on this team. More likely than not, the Magic will have to take a risk on a player who is up and coming and look for that veteran elsewhere.

It would not surprise me to see the team take a risk on Harrison Barnes or Chandler Parsons as their big free agent gets. Both provide something the Magic need — they can both shoot decently well and have some playoff experience. I lean more toward Barnes as he seems poised to take on a bigger role.

To be clear though, neither of these players fix all the Magic’s problems or move the needle in any significant way. I would want to see a second move to boost these signing or bring a guy in through a trade to support. Not to mention continued improvement from some of the Magic’s key guys that remain.

Next: Top defender?