Orlando Magic Daily
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2017 Orlando Magic Free Agent Preview: The Shooting Guards

By Bill Johnson

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 16: Vince Carter #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to his three pointer during a 111-107 win over the LA Clippers at Staples Center on November 16, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 16: Vince Carter #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to his three pointer during a 111-107 win over the LA Clippers at Staples Center on November 16, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Vince Carter, Memphis Grizzlies
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 16: Vince Carter #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to his three pointer during a 111-107 win over the LA Clippers at Staples Center on November 16, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Shooting guard is a position where the Orlando Magic lack depth.  The free agent pool does not have a quick fix, but there are players available who will add to the team.  

Last season the Orlando Magic went all in on defense. They hired a defensive coach in Frank Vogel, and they signed a defensive-minded center in Bismack Biyombo.  These moves were made in spite of the fact the NBA was trending toward deep shooting and floor spacing.

The plan did not work, and it was scrapped midseason. Eventually, the management team paid for their miscalculation with their jobs.

Now there is a new regime running the franchise. But after the NBA Draft, they seem eerily similar to the regime that got fired. Once again the Magic are banking on defense.

Thus far nothing has been done to address the offense. Shooting guard is especially a concern.

The current version of the Magic roster has one shooting guard that has NBA experience, Evan Fournier. They also have veteran Terrence Ross currently starting at small forward who could slide down to shooting guard too. The other options include Mario Hezonja and the two late-season signings in Marcus Georges-Hunt and Patricio Garino.  But none of them have proven themselves in the NBA.

The Magic will need to address the shooting guard position in some way. The available free-agent class does not have that singular difference maker, but the Magic could not afford that player even if it did.

The Magic do not need to be thinking about a superstar. They need to think small. They need players who can play a role in the NBA, right now. Too often teams are mesmerized by potential and ignore what skills the player has now.

The Magic need a player who is a reliable shooter. They may have flaws in other aspects of their game, but they need a proven NBA shooter. A player that other teams will be afraid to concede open shots to. This free agent market will be able to provide that for the Magic, and possibly more.