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Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Jason Smith

By Sam Skubala

Apr 11, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Jason Smith (right) drives around Milwaukee Bucks center Miles Plumlee (18) during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Jason Smith (right) drives around Milwaukee Bucks center Miles Plumlee (18) during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brook Lopez, Brooklyn Nets, Jason Smith, Orlando Magic
Mar 29, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic forward Jason Smith (14) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2017 Outlook

Smith is an interesting position as he enters the 2016 offseason.

Having certainly outplayed his one-year, $4.5-million deal with the Magic last season, he can expect a significant pay rise this summer.

This raises the question of whether the team wants to bring him back to Central Florida next season. It seems like Smith wants to stay too.

It is likely the Magic will extend an offer to him, given that he contributed to the team in a solid and consistent way this season. However, the persistency of Orlando in trying to keep Smith depends on the answers to a number of key questions.

Does General Manager Rob Hennigan believe Dewayne Dedmon has matured enough to become the team’s backup center full time? Do they see Smith as a part of the team going forward? Are the Magic concerned about having a backup center who has many of the same qualities and liabilities as their starter?

Whatever the case, Smith has certainly earned a rotation spot somewhere in the league next season — it is not yet clear whether this will be Orlando.

Next: Final Grade