2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations

The Starters

The Orlando Magic’s final starting lineup at least took on some form of an identity.

The team began playing a much faster-paced style, putting the ball in Elfrid Payton’s hands and allowing him to run. He obviously thrived in that lineup, getting out in transition and tallying five triple-doubles after the All-Star Break.

In all, the Magic’s starting lineup of Elfrid Payton, Evan Fournier, Terrence Ross, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic finished with an 112.0 offensive rating. That is a lineup with a functioning offense and something that looks like a future.

The defense? The Magic’s defense will need a lot of work though. Coach Frank Vogel will have his work cut out for him shaping this roster into a better defensive unit — that starting lineup gave up 110.6 points per 100 possessions.

This is all part of the belief the Magic played better after the All-Star Break. There is plenty of evidence to support this notion. But the team will have to look for upgrades where it can to make things easier and bolster its bench.

With limited resources, the Magic could be relying on several members of this group again.

2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Elfrid Payton

The Orlando Magic invested a lot in Elfrid Payton for the last few years, hoping he would take the next step. Like everyone else, he struggled to find a fit

2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Terrence Ross

The Orlando Magic acquired Terrence Ross before the All-Star Break giving the young player an opportunity at a larger role. He showed signs he can fill it.

2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon was the victim of his own success. He was not able to build off of last season, but in hindsight expectations of him may not have been fair.

2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Nikola Vucevic

Coming into the season everything seemed to be pointing up for Nikola Vucevic. How did he perform in his first year under defensive coach Frank Vogel?

The sum of the parts of the Magic’s starting lineup could not make a successful whole. There is no getting around this. The group had its moments and looked better as the year came to a close, but far too often the starting unit could not get to a consistent start.

Teams do not lose games by 30-plus points a half-dozen times without a poor start or without the stability of a good starting lineup. It was a common occurrence. And, of course, looking at the team’s record, it is easy to lay things down on the starting lineup.

Despite how well the group played to end the season, the team’s record was still not any better. And the Magic clearly need a talent upgrade.

If this season proved anything it is that the team needs to reshuffle its lineup some and find players that can help the remaining players fall into their proper roles for their ability.