Terrence Ross provides a spark with opportunity

Terrence Ross‘ addition to the Orlando Magic is still a bit of a mystery for how it will work. After his first game, it appears he will find a fit.

The directive to Terrence Ross was a little bit of a simple one for his first game in an Orlando Magic uniform. Play aggressive and hard and confidently.

The Magic wanted to see what he could do.

Ross was still taking in much of the Magic’s schemes and there are surely still some mistakes made as he adjusts to his new surroundings. But the good that came in his first game with the Magic on Thursday against the Portland Trail Blazers was evident.

Ross had his moments where he attacked close outs and got into the lane. In one instance he stopped on a dime as the defense ran past him and spun around for a turnaround jumper. Or the many instances he drove into the lane and squeezed a pass through a tight window to Nikola Vucevic.

Like a lot of what he did Thursday, the shot was no good. Perhaps Ross was trying to do too much. But the potential was there to see what Ross can provide the Magic.

“He had his pedal on the gas, which is what I want.” coach Frank Vogel said. “I want him to be aggressive and looking to score. He took a couple bad shots. I wanted him to go out and play confident and aggressive. He really has the ability to attack in closeouts. If you don’t get to him, he is bombing a three. If you do get to him, he is very electric off the bounce and makes good decisions in the paint.”

Ross finished Thursday’s game with 13 points on 4-for-17 shooting. He added one assist but could have had more — he had four free throw assists, meaning passes that led to foul shots. It was truly a whirling dervish of a game with Ross flying all over the court.

Ross did have an extra bounce in his step. And it did permeate the roster. The new rotation had plenty of moments and plenty of promise as it is likely to do. There appears to be something that can work long term for the Magic.

The results remained and Ross was emblematic of that too.

Ther is optimism, though. Especially knowing what Ross can provide. It is not likely he is going to shoot 4 for 17 from the floor again, especially with some of the shots he was taking.

It was clear to the Magic he could provide something big for the team.

“He’s a baller through and through certified,” Aaron Gordon said. “He understands the game. He understands what he brings to this team. I encourage him to keep being aggressive and keep being confident.”

This was the sentiment throughout the team. Perhaps warm wishes for a teammate, but it was clear Ross could make an impact. He was able to get into the paint and threaten the defense with his shot. There are few players on the roster that bring his speed to the game off the dribble in the half court.

He may have been going too fast and trying to do too much at times — Vogel admitted Ross took some bad shots, but wanted to encourage him to remain aggressive — but there was an added energy in bringing him into the mix. It was something hard to quantify.

For Ross’ first game his impact in changing that style of play and contributing to it himself was a good sign of what is to come. Ross is still finding his rhythm.

“It’s a little challenging trying to find the tendencies of everybody else,” Ross said. “Who likes the ball where and which plays are for who. I’m trying to learn on the fly and trying to figure out where I can incorporate myself. It takes time, but I will get the hang of it.”

Eventually, Vogel will have to reel him in, to some level of efficiency. The first game came with plenty of jitters and excitement. It was not Ross’ most efficient performance.

It became clear what potential he has and what he can bring to the table. Vogel said he liked his assertiveness and the team will certainly hope that continues. With that added efficiency of course.

Orlando Magic

Having a spot-up shooter who can attack off the dribble and attack the defense as they try to rotate to him is going to make the Magic offense a bit more dynamic. That is the advantage of having a player like Ross on the perimeter. Teams have to pay attention to him with every action he takes.

“It was fun,” Ross said of his first game. “Just trying to find a routine and get in a rhythm of things and try to figure out how to play among everybody else. I had a good time, especially when I got a couple shots to fall.”

More importantly, there was the opportunity to see something new from the Magic. Ross gave the team a dynamism it was missing.

It was far from perfect. His shooting percentage was a concern. And he still made aggressive errors as he found his place. His shot selection was at times suspect.

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But there was something to build on from Ross worth holding onto and observing. He seems like he will be an energetic addition to the Magic.