2018 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: D.J. Augustin

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WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 6: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball during a game against the Washington Wizards on December 6, 2016 at the Verizon Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

What To Look For

D.J. Augustin is a veteran and so it is a bit more certain what he can provide. Except with Augustin, nothing has ever been certain.

His career has been a back-and-forth, up-and-down affair. A bad year with one team is followed by a good year with another team. Then another team believes in him and the fit does not work.

That seems to be the pattern Augustin followed last year. After a successful 28-game stint with the Nuggets, where he got significant playing time in a fairly up-tempo offense, Augustin came to the Magic and struggled. He had one of his down years where it did not work.

Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

Some of that might be the Magic played at such a slow pace and clogged the lane so much. Then again, it seemed like Augustin fit the Magic’s pre-All-Star slower offense better. He is a cerebral point guard who does not have as much speed as he might have in his younger days, but he can still get from point A to point B.

Augustin is a point guard, but with his shooting ability might work better as a secondary ball handler in half-court sets. That might have been where he struggled most after the All-Star Break. His field goal percentage dropped to 33.3 percent and his 3-point field goal percentage dropped to 29.3 percent. Something did not click after the break when everything else did.

It might have been the way the Magic played — more up tempo and point guard centric. Augustin may not be a guy who succeeds when he is on the ball more. He needs to be a secondary piece. Or maybe Augustin cannot play at that high pace anymore. Maybe he works better in pick and rolls and half-court based offenses.

Something was just off.

It is safe to assume his shooting percentages can return to their normal levels. Augustin is a good shooter. What else he can provide and whether he can be that dynamic backup point guard the Magic invested heavily in is another question.

Augustin will have to battle for his time now.