Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: C.J. Watson

Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard C.J. Watson (32) shoots a technical foul shot after Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks (not pictured) was ejected during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard C.J. Watson (32) shoots a technical foul shot after Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks (not pictured) was ejected during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
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C.J. Watson, Orlando Magic, Josh Richardson, Miami Heat
Apr 8, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) shoots a three pointer over Orlando Magic guard C.J. Watson (32) during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat 112-109. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Final Grade

Watson played generally good defense when he got a chance to play. His shooting was atrocious.

One concern that should be noted is that Watson shot the ball horrendously in the preseason too. Does it mean Watson’s shot has been lost?

Watson still showed the ability to run the offense fairly well when he had the chance. The Magic should certainly consider putting Watson in a better spot to succeed if they play him next year. Let Mario Hezonja be the primary ball handler and let Watson excel in spot-up shooting. Watson was one of the better spot-up shooters in the NBA with Indiana last year.

Hopefully the Magic and C.J. Watson can rediscover his strengths, and he will be an asset moving forward.

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It would be unfair to grade C.J. Watson based on last year’s circumstances. His statistics generally point to him grading out as an F. But missing 44 games in a row due to injury in your first season with a new team, with new teammates and a new coaching staff will definitely mess up your game.

Watson played generally good defense when he got a chance to play. His shooting was atrocious.

One concern that should be noted is that Watson shot the ball horrendously in the preseason too. Does it mean Watson’s shot has been lost?

Watson still showed the ability to run the offense fairly well when he had the chance. The Magic should certainly consider putting Watson in a better spot to succeed if they play him next year. Let Mario Hezonja be the primary ball handler and let Watson excel in spot-up shooting. Watson was one of the better spot-up shooters in the NBA with Indiana last year.

Hopefully the Magic and C.J. Watson can rediscover his strengths, and he will be an asset moving forward.