2018 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Bismack Biyombo

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TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 29: Bismack Biyombo #11 of the Orlando Magic looks on during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on January 29, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Overall Outlook

Bismack Biyombo is probably never going to live up to the contract he signed last summer with the Orlando Magic. The expectations placed on being the highest paid player on the team were always a bit unfair to him. Biyombo just is not the kind of player who produces the raw numbers necessary to scream out that label.

That did not mean Biyombo should be excused for a difficult season for him. He did not provide the base line defensive impact the Magic hoped for when they pursued him in free agency. Orlando needed him to be a game changer on defense to help establish their identity and make their whole gambit work.

He certainly fell short, posting near career low marks in several defensive metrics.

At the same time, Biyombo is not the kind of player who cand o things on his own. He is maybe not a player who can cause change by himself but rather augment the good work others do. He is the ultimate backstop in that sense, but if a team is bad on defense already it does not matter whether that backstop exists.

If the Magic’s bench has improved defensively as everyone expects — Shelvin Mack, Arron Afflalo, Jonathon Simmons and Jonathan Isaac project as at least decent defenders — then perhaps Bismack Biyombo is set to have a stronger defensive year. He will spend less time cleaning up other player’s mess and be in better position to make stops and protect the rim.

The Magic can only hope.

Biyombo will have his chance to make his impact this year. He will have the chance to show he can still be a defensive force, one who can eventually push for starter’s minutes. The Magic would love for him to take that step up. The plan all along when they signed Biyombo was to use his defense as an anchor in the starting lineup.

That day may not be here yet. But the hope is that question becomes more urgent and pressing as the season goes on. That is a good problem to have — especially if it pushes Nikola Vucevic to a higher level.

Ultimately, Biyombo’s play is tied to his team’s success. If the Magic play strong defense, Biyombo will get some of the credit for it and the perception of him will change.

Maybe not completely though. Biyombo has a long way to go to live up to that massive contract he signed. It is a hill he may never climb.

Next: 2018 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Jonathan Isaac

In 2018, Biyombo at least has to get back off the mat and start making the long ascent.