How the Orlando Magic should handle their free agents this summer

3 of 6

Dec 6, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jodie Meeks (20) reacts after making a three point shot during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center. Orlando Magic defeated Washington Wizards 124-116. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Jodie Meeks

To Re-Sign

During the Magic’s current rebuild there has been one constant feature lacking from the roster: Shooting.

If there is one thing Jodie Meeks can do, it is shoot. A streaky shooter who can take over a game if he heats up, Meeks commands attention from opposing defenses.

During his small sample size of appearances this year for the Magic, Meeks obviously had an impact. In games where Meeks made four or more shots from 3-point range, the Magic won.

Not coincidentally, Elfrid Payton also had great games when Meeks played well. The ability to knock down shots is something the Magic need. He helps space the floor for Elfrid Payton to penetrate and create for Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic.

Not to Re-Sign

Jodie Meeks’ health should be a major concern for the Magic.

The team took a risk when trading for him after he missed almost the entire 2016 season with a broken foot. The team discovered shortly after acquiring him that it had not healed properly and he would need surgery to repair it.

Meeks only appeared in 36 games this season, missing the first 19 with that foot injury.

After finally returning to the court in December, Meeks suffered another injury — breaking his finger while reaching in for a steal — in mid-January to keep him out another 26 games.

Using a roster spot on a player who may at best participate in half the games is not a good investment. With the Magic having four draft picks this year, it would be more beneficial to sign all four rookies and let them develop.

Verdict

While Meeks is a knockdown shooter when healthy, the likeliness he will be available makes him a little risky. The Magic have to ensure his health before taking the risk. Still, the chance for a bargain is there.

Because of his injuries, Meeks should not have a high price tag. He finished out the season strong which is a positive for him and the Magic. Witinjuryre concerns aside, the Magic should definitely re-sign Meeks, but certainly for less than the $7.5 million the team paid him last year.

Some of Orlando’s best games this season came as a result of Meeks spreading the floor. Shooting is a premium in the NBA and Meeks can provide that for the Magic.