Orlando Magic Daily
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2017 NBA Offseason: One-year deal possibilities for the Orlando Magic

By Drew Miller

MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Tyreke Evans #13 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on February 21, 2012 in Miami, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Tyreke Evans #13 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on February 21, 2012 in Miami, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Monta Ellis, Indiana Pacers
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 10: Monta Ellis #11 of the Indiana Pacers looks on against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Verizon Center on February 10, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Monta Ellis

Monta Ellis is another potential veteran the Magic could sign this offseason to a one-year deal. Ellis has had no problem scoring throughout his career, but he has struggled defensively and has a reputation for stopping the ball on offense.

The rebuilding Indiana Pacers recently waived the 31-year old guard, as he was a clear casualty of their youth movement.

Ellis has had an excellent career, averaging 17.8 points per game while adding 4.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game. But Ellis has started to slow down and has only averaged around 11 points per game for the Pacers. He even lost his starting job last year.

Ellis is a poor fit for the Magic, as the Magic need either a player with upside or a strong locker room presence. Ellis has neither.

At 31, Ellis has clearly peaked and is now at most a rotation player. Further, Ellis is not the selfless veteran teams are looking for to mentor their youth. Ellis has a gunslinger reputation. He has always been a volume scorer — and an often inefficient one at that. Last year he posted a 48.2 percent effective field goal percentage.

This is not the type of player the Magic want around their impressionable young players. They want their young players (Elfrid Payton, Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac etc.) to learn good habits.

Ellis has been rumored to be interested in contenders and he is a potential ring chaser. He might not even want to play for Orlando. Given all of these red flags, it is best if the Magic pass on Ellis in free agency.