An early look at Orlando Magic 2017 Free Agency
Tony Snell
The Chicago Bulls traded Tony Snell to the Milwaukee Bucks for Michael Carter-Williams right before the start of the 2017 season. While the Bulls received a struggling, non-shooting reserve point guard, the Bucks got a solid three-point shooter, cutter and decent defender to complement their breakout star in Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Last year, Snell shot 40 percent from three. He is not a lockdown defender, but he also is not a liability. According to NBA Stats, he fell in the 79th percentile in scoring efficiency on cuts, putting him near the top of the league.
If the Magic want to build off the progress they made on offense at the end of last season, Snell would be a solid fit. He can play multiple positions – primarily small forward and shooting guard, but he has also played a few minutes at the point and power forward – and stretch the floor from any of them.
He is good at moving off the ball, so if the Magic draft or sign another primary ball handler he should still fit in nicely. Not only was he highly efficient on cuts, but he also shot around 42 percent coming off screens for jump shots – better than J.J. Redick, Damian Lillard and many other sharpshooters.
His skills would make him a great fit in lineups that feature Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic, Terrence Ross, and either Elfrid Payton or a new point guard the Magic might bring in. Snell and Terrence Ross’ spacing would complement Gordon’s cutting, and all their cutting and off-ball motion could take advantage of Nikola Vucevic and Payton’s playmaking skills.
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Adding another shooting wing like Snell would provide spacing for Payton and Gordon to work. He fits the profile of what the Magic need to maximize its young talent.
Snell is only 25 so he could be a legitimate long-term piece for the Magic. Although he probably will not make any major leaps, his best years are likely still ahead of him. He is a restricted free agent, but if the Bucks are looking to maintain flexibility, they may balk if Orlando offers him more than a couple years.
And Magic general manager John Hammond certainly is familiar with him now.
Snell is not a big name, but he is the type of complementary piece who could make the Magic’s offense run more smoothly next year. He is young and has no major injury concerns, so signing him is within reach and offers little downside.