Orlando Magic Draft: Who stands to lose the most?

D.J. Augustin

With Orlando likely to pick a point guard at some point in the draft, one likely loser is D.J. Augustin. The veteran point guard struggled in 2017, averaging 7.9 points per game on 37.7 percent shooting, and just 34.7 percent from deep.

Brought in to offer a strong veteran presence in the second unit, Augustin struggled despite a strong start. His offense was inconsistent and he was particularly poor after the All-Star break. He was a sieve defensively, being torn apart by opposing guards.

Already behind the younger Elfrid Payton in the rotation, if the Magic were to pick a point guard such as Dennis Smith Jr. at No. 6 or even players like Derrick White, Frank Jackson or Jawun Evans at No. 25, Augustin’s minutes could be squeezed even further. If they only pick one later, Augustin is still affected, as it is likely management will give the backup minutes behind Elfrid Payton to their new rookie, to help that young player grow.

If they could, the team would most likely trade Augustin. Yet with three years of his four-year, $29-million deal left, it will be difficult to move the 29-year old. He could provide valuable veteran experience, and shooting off the bench should he want the role — but in the prime of his career, it is likely Augustin will have higher expectations than that.