Orlando Magic Daily
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Up-and-Coming Free Agents for the Orlando Magic

By Bill Johnson

Dec 19, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) looks to pass the ball during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) looks to pass the ball during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Shabazz Muhammad, Minnesota Timberwolves, Rashad Vaughn, Milwaukee Bucks
Oct 20, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) grabs a pass against Milwaukee Bucks guard Rashad Vaughn (20) in the fourth quarter at Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Shabazz Muhammad

Shabazz Muhammad was once considered one of the top prospects in his age group.  He is 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan and he is a natural scorer.

Muhammad is a lefty who can get to the basket and finish. Even though he is only 6-foot-6, he is very comfortable in the post. He has a nice spot-up jumper, even though he struggles somewhat off the dribble.

Muhammad’s best attribute is that he gives maximum effort. The only issue is that he has a one track mind. Muhammad gets buckets. He is all about putting the ball in the basket. But he does not add much else to the game.

He does not pass much as he only averaged 0.4 assists per game in 19 minutes per game this past season.

Muhammad’s inability to expand his game has hurt him. The Minnesota Timberwolves began drafting players to crowd him out of the backcourt some, taking Zach LaVine and acquiring Andrew Wiggins in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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It is a testament to Muhammad he was still able to carve out a role for himself with Minnesota, considering there were two higher drafted players in his way.

Last year, he averaged 9.9 points per game in his limited minutes. He shot 33.6 percent from beyond the arc. His 3-point shooting could stand to improve. But the Timberwolves just have not been a good situation for him.

Muhammad’s career would benefit from leaving the logjam on the wing in Minnesota. His game would potentially grow with more of an expanded role.

Even though he needs to share the ball more, the Magic need someone who can score. Muhammad could be instant offense off the bench for the Magic, and someone who can get his shot in high-pressure situations. It might be wroth the reclamation project.

Muhammad is a restricted free agent, so the Timberwolves will have an opportunity to match any offer. But Minnesota is in flux, so it is unknown how strong their commitment is to Muhammad.