Transforming Serge Ibaka into a playmaker

Evan Fournier

If Ibaka turns into a playmaker, it will pay off immediately for Evan Fournier, another strong potential playmaker for the Magic.

Fournier has already developed into a respected threat from beyond the arc in the NBA. He has the best individual offensive skills on the roster with his jump shot and his ability to create shots off of the dribble. He is slowly transforming into the Magic’s best all-around player.

Defense is where he must improve. And he, along with everyone on the roster, is expected to improve defensively with the additions of defenders like Ibaka, Bismack Biyombo and Jeff Green.

Fournier is known for knocking down uncontested shots. If Ibaka could draw double teams like Vucevic did last year, then there will be more open looks for Fournier.

A playmaking Ibaka would be able to get more open looks for Fournier, which would essentially spread the floor and should open up the offense more.

Opening the offense more means the team is beginning to trust each other more and an offensive chemistry is forming. The Magic need to learn how to play with each other and a lot of that means they need to be able to make plays for one another.

If Fournier can hit the three consistently off of Ibaka’s pass then it will force defenders to pay more attention to the two. Thus opening up opportunities for Payton and Gordon.