The Orlando Magic made their decision for shooting guard, going with Evan Fournier and his glue-guy abilities and floor spacing to bolster the offense.
The summer for the Orlando Magic did not come down to one decision. The Magic would have to weigh their options carefully as they took the rebuild forward and determined how to help the team take the next step. They would have to figure out what pace the team should move forward too.
It was not about one decision. But undoubtedly, one decision lay central to what the Magic would do this offseason.
Evan Fournier was a free agent, sure to get a big contract. And the Magic were likely going to have to add someone and deal with Victor Oladipo’s contract extension — or restricted free agency — in the next year. The Magic had a shooting guard dilemma.
Orlando may have always decided to re-sign Fournier, even if the Oladipo trade never came up. That only further emphasizes how important and critical the decision on who should start at small forward would become for the Orlando Magic this summer.
The Magic got the opportunity to move Oladipo to fill a need in Serge Ibaka. Signing Evan Fournier became less a luxury and more a necessity.
But a necessity the Magic certainly felt comfortable with. And that was something Fournier earned in the court of his 2016 season.
That was Fournier’s breakout season. He average d a career-high 15.4 points per game. Fournier shot 40.0 percent from the floor and proved to be a perfect fit for the Magic. He could drive in on rotating defenses and was reliable on the ball as a pick-and-roll player. Fournier rarely turned the ball over or made any mistakes. And he filled the gaps the Magic needed.
After a first season in Orlando full of injuries, Fournier very well might have been a key difference in the team adding 10 wins from 2015.
A new season though brings with it new questions. Oladipo is gone. Fournier has the salary that goes with being one of the top players on the team. The Magic are expecting Fournier to do more than he did even last year. There are always bigger and better things on the horizon for a player with a freshly minted contract.
And then there are the added pressures of making the Playoffs.
Fournier will have to take a step up this season, just like his team. A role every player relishes and wants. Fournier is now the primary perimeter option for the Magic. Whether he is ready for that responsibility or not.