2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Terrence Ross

Mar 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Terrence Ross (31) dunks the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) look on shoots during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Terrence Ross (31) dunks the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) look on shoots during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
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Terrence Ross, Orlando magic, Dennis Schroder, Atlanta Hawks
Feb 25, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Terrence Ross (31) dribbles the ball as Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) attempts to defend during the second quarter at Amway Center. Orlando defeated Atlanta 105-86. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2018 Outlook

It is still a bit unclear where Terrence Ross fits for the Magic next year. Is he a budding young star or a potential role player or. . .

Everything seems on the table for Ross as he got this expanded and new opportunity with the Magic. He succeeded enough to keep trying but nothing is guaranteed with Ross.

Orlando seems invested in him and ready to continue giving him the expanded opportunity he received after the trade.

Ross presented some problems with the roster’s current construction. Defensively, he does not have the size to guard the bigger small forward. He is yet another tweener for the Magic’s backcourt.

But those are easily overlooked. Especially if he builds the consistency the Magic are hoping from him.

The Magic seem ready to go into next season with Ross playing a critical role for the team, either as a starting wing player or even coming off the bench depending on how other roster moves go. Ross has proven himself capable of playing either role. Although, the Magic saw plenty to believe Ross can play a larger role.

The other reality is the Magic could still see Ross as a valuable trade chip. His contract is team-friendly and he has a proven track record as a quality bench player if the Magic want to test the market.

It does not seem likely Orlando will do this unless the team has to. The Magic seem ready to see if Ross can step up into a larger role for longer than just the post-All-Star Break period.