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2017 Orlando Magic Free Agency Preview: The Small Forwards

By Ryan Doyle

Apr 8, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Terrence Ross (31) takes a shot in the second half as Indiana Pacers forward CJ Miles (0) defends at Amway Center. Indiana Pacers won 127-112. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Terrence Ross (31) takes a shot in the second half as Indiana Pacers forward CJ Miles (0) defends at Amway Center. Indiana Pacers won 127-112. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert (4) and forward LeBron James (23) watch as Orlando Magic forward Jeff Green (34) dunks the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Cavaliers won 116-104. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert (4) and forward LeBron James (23) watch as Orlando Magic forward Jeff Green (34) dunks the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Cavaliers won 116-104. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Damjan Rudez and Jeff Green, Orlando Magic

There is no denying a Jeff Green reunion is unlikely, but it cannot go ignored. Same goes for Damjan Rudez who played spot minutes for the team last year and is a restricted free agent this summer.

When it comes to Green, last season was a bad one for him. He was inefficient in all phases of the game and took the brunt of the blame when fans got upset last season. It seemed he was stalling the Magic’s woeful bench and at times stifling some of Aaron Gordon’s growth, even taking a few starts from him mid-season.

Green can play both forward spots and appears to have the talent to be a useful player. Sadly, he has yet to put it together. And, at this point in his career, it is unlikely he ever will. Inevitably someone will believe in him again, unless the Magic are the last stop on his career carousel.

For Rudez, adding him could be an option for a Magic team that is tight on cap space. He plays hard and can hit an outside jumper. But he is not going to see the floor much. Still, the team needs some depth and Rudez can also play power forward, or spread the floor for Gordon while he plays power forward.

A reunion may be a longshot for these players, but salary issues may force Orlando’s hand and they may have to consider retaining them for one more year.