Orlando Magic Daily
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2017 Central Florida 85 Nos. 69-85: Happy Homecomings

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - JULY 27: Arron Afflalo of the Orlando Magic addresses the media on July 27, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JULY 27: Arron Afflalo of the Orlando Magic addresses the media on July 27, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Arron Afflalo, Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 17: Arron Afflalo #4 of the Orlando Magic greets fans before playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 17, 2012 at Amway Center in Orlando, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

82. Arron Afflalo, Orlando Magic

It was hard not to feel the warmth in Arron Afflalo’s smile as he walked back to the Amway Center for the first time as a member of the Orlando Magic in July. The smile was ear to ear for the veteran guard. This was a second chance for him as his career seems to start to wind down, but also a restart.

Afflalo played his best seasons while wearing a Magic uniform. That might have been somewhat by necessity. The team was just starting its rebuild and it needed someone to score. Afflalo handled that burden. The team moved on from him to open the door for Victor Oladipo.

Afflalo settled back into a more secondary role. That is ultimately where he belonged. But it was clear something was off about him. He continued to improve his 3-point shooting, but the teams he joined never quite fit him. Or something never quite felt right.

It never felt like home.

That home was always Orlando. Or it had become Orlando. And even though he was returning to the team on a minimum contract and even though he is not expected to have a starting role this year, his return said something important about the team and the community.

Afflalo took a veteran’s minimum contract to be that voice in the locker room. But for him, it was truly about returning to a home.

His Instagram from the moment he agreed to the deal became a love letter to Orlando. He showed an appreciation for the fans and the community that was somewhat surprising. And it seemed genuine and real. He wants to win for this community and for this place. That is why he came here.

It may be a small role for the team, but it speaks volumes.

81. Aubrey Dawkins, UCF Men’s Basketball

Similar to Arron Afflalo, Aubrey Dawkins chose to come to Orlando. Although, his reasons are more family related.

Dawkins transferred from the Michigan Wolverines last year to join the team his dad, Johnny Dawkins, coached. But Aubrey Dawkins is not expected to be some passing player. The belief is Dawkins will make some major contributions to the team this year.

Dawkins averaged 6.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game in 2016 for Michigan. The 6-foot-6 wing player obviously has the talent to contribute at the Big Ten level. That could make him a valuable player for the Knights off the bench.

UCF is in need of some shooting and some good support for Tacko Fall and B.J. Taylor. Dawkins figures to be a fantastic role player to bring in.

That family connection helps too.