How the Orlando Magic should handle their free agents

Jeff Green

To Re-Sign

Jeff Green is a multi-position player who is sought after in today’s NBA. His length and ability to switch on defense are valuable when facing teams with stretch power forwards.

On the offensive end, Green has the ability to create his own shot and take over at times. When aggressive and focused Green can get baskets from all over the court.

At this point in his career, Green is not opposed to coming off the bench which is a positive for a young developing team.

Not to Re-sign

Jeff Green through his entire career has been wildly inconsistent. Though he is athletic and has the tools to be a great defender, he more often plays below average on that end.

With his inconsistency on defense also comes the inconsistency on offense. Green shot career lows last season in field goal percentage — 39 percent — and 3-point percentage — 27 percent. This occurred on a Magic team with no real go-to scorer.

The opportunity for Green to up his stock definitely presented itself while on this team and he could not capitalize.

Verdict

Jeff Green has always had the word “potential” attached to him. At times he shows what he is capable of and is a great weapon off the bench. The issue is knowing which Jeff Green you will get on a nightly basis.

At this point in his career, Green should not expect to be paid a ton of money. Orlando did him a favor last season by signing him to such a big one-year contract.

With the Magic having little room for error and even less cap space, they might have enough money to convince Green to stick around. But is he worth it?

With there being a number of versatile free agents available, the risk of Green continuing to decline is too great. The Magic should only consider Green as their last resort. And even then, they should renounce whatever early Bird Rights they might have to him to avoid having his cap hold clog their books and eat up their available room.