Changing Offense
The Orlando Magic’s offense took on a dramatic change after the All-Star Break. Every player seemed to get a huge offensive boost.
As much as anything, it was about getting players in their right roles and modernizing the offense. The team put the ball in Elfrid Payton’s hands a lot more and let the shooters spread the floor. Without two big men in the paint, the offense became much more free flowing.
The results speak for themselves.
Coach Frank Vogel said the team is likely to continue playing this style. That bodes well for several of the players who may remain the team.
Fournier will benefit a lot from this too. Creating more space for him to attack and cut unleashes a lot of what makes Fournier a unique and strong player.
The Magic, as they did of a lot of players, probably asked too much out of his role. They killed a lot of his efficiency and what put him at the top of many scouting reports. The added attention too, eliminated his effectiveness as he tried to explore new aspects to his game.
The Magic are doing something of a reset this coming offseason. They need to get their players in the right roles as much as they need to increase talent. That is, if the Magic truly believe they are closer than everyone suspects to making a Playoff bid.
Fournier is a key part of that. In the second year of his four-year, $85 million deal, Fournier is likely to be part of the roster for some time to come. Finding the best way to use him is going to be critical for the Magic’s future.
It is clear the Magic have to tailor a different kind of offense. One based more on movement and spacing will create more offensive success for the Magic. With the team’s lack of a go-to scorer, this is the best way to create space and opportunity for a player like Fournier to attack. Other players will benefit too.
The Magic got a lot out of Fournier last year but clearly could get more. They need his efficiency to become successful. And it is here where Fournier is not only most effective but helps others get more involved.
Next: David Steele: Orlando Magic can turn things around quick
Next year, the Magic should be looking to use Fournier more as a weak-side spot-up shooter, able to attack rotating defenses to get into the paint, and as a cutter to preoccupy the defense and create driving and passing lanes for the point guard.