2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Jodie Meeks

Final Grade

Jodie Meeks came to Orlando with one job to do: make shots.

That is why Jodie Meeks is in the NBA, after all. The team needed him to help them space the floor since they lacked a lot of the outside shooting that is a hallmark of NBA offenses these days.

When Meeks was healthy and able to play, that is precisely what he did. It is hard to say that while Meeks was on the court, he did not do exactly what the Magic asked him to do.

The injuries were random and not recurring. He had offseason foot surgery after he believed he was OK following a broken foot. Meeks came back and looked no worse for the wear. He made the Magic offense better.

When he dislocated his thumb going for a steal it was random, plain and simple. And the Magic hurt without him. Not until they made the Serge Ibaka trade and added more floor spacing.

Orlando may never know what would have happened if the team had Meeks for the first quarter of the season. Maybe his shooting would have helped get some more wins and keep the defense engaged throughout the dog days of the season.

By the time Meeks arrived, the defense was already on its way to collapsing. His offensive boost only covered the problems for a little while.

Next: 2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Elfrid Payton

Meeks did what the team asked him to do all year. And he filled his role. Orlando just needed him to be healthy.