Terrence Ross’ potential impresses in early Orlando Magic career
Terrence Ross has added a breath of fresh air and a surprising amount of offensive potential to the Orlando Magic in a season that has quickly been lost.
The Orlando Magic sit in a familiar place toward the end of this season — among the worst teams in the entire NBA. A disappointing year for a team who had Playoff expectations in October.
Despite being one of the four current teams with 40 or more losses, the acquisition of Terrence Ross before the trade deadline could be a bright light for a slumping franchise if he is used correctly.
Ross played in a backup role for the Toronto Raptors behind DeMar DeRozan and has tasted the Playoffs more than the Magic’s starting lineup combined. Ross has played in the playoffs three out of five seasons of his five-year career.
Playing against All-Star guards like DeRozan and Kyle Lowry in practice every day is not something to sneeze at.
Although Ross did not lead the Raptors to the Playoffs during his time in Toronto, he was a critical part of the team’s offense. His talents may be used in ways that could elevate the Magic.
Which is why Ross may be starving for an increased role within a struggling team. And that is the opportunity the Magic are most intrigued to see from their new acquisition.
Sunday against the Washington Wizards, Ross led the team in scoring against the third-best team in the Eastern Conference. This was the second time in four games he has led the team in scoring.
It is a sign of him potentially becoming a cornerstone piece for a franchise looking to make a Playoff run in the near future.
Ross’ role at shooting guard seems like a lock for the position going into the future, especially with Aaron Gordon sliding back to his natural position and Evan Fournier playing small forward.
This lineup gives the Magic a different threat offensively, as everyone can beat their man off the dribble with speed and open up space so other players can shoot more open jumpers. An argument can be made that Ross is the most athletic shooting guard with an elbow jumper in Magic blue since Tracy McGrady.
Not saying Ross will win any NBA scoring titles like McGrady but giving a player with this type of Playoff experience could potentially help a lottery-bound team like Orlando.
One thing is for sure, we have seen everyone else’s maximum potential on this roster. And nobody has turned into a bona fide star. The roster seems to be a team filled with role players.
Even if Ross does not turn out to be the next star in Orlando, coach Frank Vogel needs to give him an opportunity his talent merits.
To Vogel’s credit, he is allowing Ross to play a career high 34.6 minutes per game in his six games with Orlando. That should help him become more confident in his jumper and driving ability.
Although he has quick hands defending on the perimeter, he will need to improve defensively in order to continue logging those type of minutes on a Vogel led team.
On top of that, Ross’ consistency as a scorer remains a big issue. It is why Ross struggled to crack the rotation with the Raptors in his first five years in the league. He followed up that team-best 20-point performance against the Wizards by making just 2 of his 10 shots and one of his six 3-pointers against the New York Knicks.
When Ross is good, he can score with the best of them. But it is not every game yet. The McGrady comparisons are extremely premature in that regard.
But Ross brings a winning attitude to the Magic, a belief that they can be special if they work together. Which is something Vogel has been wanting to see from his young team all year.
Orlando Magic
If Ross can somehow play a part in turning the fortunes of a once respected franchise to a winning contender in the East (next year of course), he will be a name to be reckoned with among the NBA.
The expectations on Ross for the remainder of the year is just to keep a winning attitude and be a positive role model for the team.
Obviously, he has been to certain heights that no one on the roster (except his former teammate Bismack Biyombo) has been during his career. Having a positive attitude no matter whether the Magic win or lose should be at the top of his list of goals.
This is a realistic goal for a player with Ross’ experience and skill set. Obviously, it will take the general manager to actually put a better supporting cast around Ross.
Next: Question the Orlando Magic face the rest of this season
Ross has shown plenty of potential in his short time with Orlando. Vogel said he has exceeded expectations and surprised his coaches in just two weeks. There is something for the 26-year-old wing player to build upon.