Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Bismack Biyombo

Final Grade

The Magic did not pay for a significantly negative center. But that is what they got according to Basketball Reference’s Box Plus Minus and ESPN’s Real Plus-Minus. No player on the team deserves a high grade, and I do not blame Biyombo too much for the team’s struggles.

But he did not improve and did not fulfill the role they wanted from him, and the fit seems even worse than it did at the time. This was one of the biggest resource commitments and risks the Magic took this season.

On one hand, Biyombo was exactly what the Magic have always wanted in a center. They needed someone who could erase shots at the rim and challenge opponents when they came into the paint. Biyombo largely did that.

But he did not do that at the level the team needed him to. He did not match his Playoff intensity and even saw his rim protection numbers slip. This is partly because of the team’s poor roster construction and weaker perimeter defenders.

On the other hand, Biyombo seemed to make the Magic’s weaknesses even more prevalent with his complete lack of offensive production.

Orlando signed Biyombo believing he was ready to move up from reserve to starter. Then the team rarely started him, deferring to the incumbent Nikola Vucevic. That is partly on Biyombo for failing to force his way into the starting lineup.

Now that salary — $17 million per year for three more years — sits on the bench. For now, at least. Orlando can still salvage it and create a roster that fits Biyombo’s skills better. But Biyombo also needs to be more consistent too.

Next: Orlando Magic's 2016-17 Statistical Profile

That is why he gets a C with the potential to be a contributor going forward in the right system.