What Could Go Wrong
Magic fans are plenty familiar with receiving players from the Detroit Pistons struggling with injuries. Meeks did not exactly arrive on crutches, but it did not take long for Meeks to be back on the shelf.
The foot injury that kept Meeks out for the majority of last season is and should still be a real concern. It is unclear when Meeks will return from injury or if he will be ready for the beginning of training camp.
The reality might be Meeks deals with another season struggling with injury. Foot injuries are not anything to look past. So much of a player’s strength comes from their feet. It is hard to do much without being able to stand or walk.
Meeks’ shooting should not go anywhere. That is a repeatable skill.
But his status coming back from a second surgery on his injured right foot is concerning. It may take him some time to get back into game shape and some time to learn his new team.
And by then opportunity may very well have passed him up. Mario Hezonja and C.J. Wilcox also share the same role, abilities and position. Meeks will be starting from behind if he is unable to go at the start of training camp. And in a contract year, it may be difficult for him to truly catch up.