Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Ersan Ilyasova

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Mar 18, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA;Orlando Magic forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) dribbles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Amway Center. Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

After being sent over as part of the Tobias Harris trade, Ersan Ilyasova provided some spacing and rebounding the Orlando Magic desperately needed.

Following the Channing Frye project, the Orlando Magic brought in Ersan Ilyasova to provide a similar impact. He spread the floor and displayed reasonable defensive skills. He became a viable stretch option for the Magic last season.

At the time of the trade Ilyasova and Brandon Jennings were not the return many fans envisioned. The Magic instead decided to free up cap space for a major splash in free agency and playing time for the youth on the roster.

Jennings and Ilyasova were reunited with former head coach Scott Skiles and were looked at to bring veteran leadership to this young Orlando roster. The familiarity and experience were the two things the Magic hoped for when acquiring the pair.

Ilyasova was moved to the bench when he arrived in Orlando to make room for Aaron Gordon. This was a different role than he had been accustomed to in Detroit where he averaged close to 28 minutes per game.

Throughout his time in Orlando, it was apparent that even though Ilyasova is a nice player, he was not the long-term answer for the Magic.

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