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D.J. Augustin vows to make 2018 far better than 2017

By Philip Rossman-Reich

MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 2: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during a preseason game on October 2, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 2: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during a preseason game on October 2, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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D.J. Augustin struggled in his first year with the Orlando Magic. He is vowing not to let that happen again. And so far, Augustin is delivering for the team

D.J. Augustin was an afterthought this summer after he became the Orlando Magic’s first signing from last summer was one that was supposed to shore up the Magic’s struggling bench. Like every other signing from that summer, he fell flat.

Even with three years at $7.25 million per year left on his contract, the Magic’s first signing this summer was another backup point guard. The signal, even from new management, was clear: Augustin’s job in 2017 was certainly unsatisfactory.

Shelvin Mack, to his credit, said the right thing and continues to say the right thing — when he is playing well, he will play and when he is not playing well, he will not. But the Magic undeniably created some pressure among their starting point guards. $13 million combined of pressure.

This kind of pressure seems normal for Augustin, a player who has bounced around throughout his career and has not played two full seasons for the same team since 2011 and 2012. Augustin has always had to prove himself time and time again. This season appears no different.

"“It doesn’t affect me,” Augustin told Orlando Magic Daily at Media Day about the Magic’s signing of Shelvin Mack. “I’ve been competing my whole career. Every team I’ve been on, I’ve been competing for either a starting spot or a backup spot, whatever it is. I’m used to that. It only helps the team get better. It helps me get better as a player. It helps Shelvin and [Elfrid Payton]. We’re going to go out there and push each other. Ultimately it’s not up to us who plays and who starts and all that kind of stuff. It’s up to coach. We just have to give it our all.”"

There is something more riding on this season for Augustin. Last year, he talked about having the security of a long-term contract. This year, Augustin, like so many of the Magic’s returning players, is talking somewhat about redemption.

Last year, he talked about having the security of a long-term contract. This year, Augustin, like so many of the Magic’s returning players, is talking somewhat about redemption.

The team is trying to erase the scars from last season.

Augustin has had inconsistent moments throughout his career. His career stat lines read like a roller coaster. One year, he is a dynamic scorer and shooter, the next he struggles. Last year was one of his difficult years.

Augustin averaged 7.9 points per game and 2.7 assists per game while shooting a 46.9 percent effective field goal percentage. It was not his worst season by any means, but it was far from the season the Magic needed from him, especially as Elfrid Payton struggled.

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Orlando Magic

Worse still, Augustin was one of the few players who struggled after the All-Star Break. He averaged 8.4 points and 3.0 assists per game with a 49.0 percent effective field goal percentage before the All-Star Break. That fell to 6.4 points and 1.9 assists per game with a 40.2 percent effective field goal percentage after the break.

With everyone else playing well in the Magic’s new style, there were fair questions about whether Augustin still fit. And signing Mack did not quiet those talks.

Augustin told Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel he has been determined not to let last year repeat, for himself or for his team. And through the preseason, Augustin has certainly made his statement, seemingly winning the backup point guard minutes in camp.

"“It definitely sucked,” Augustin told the Orlando Sentinel after Monday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks about last year. “It’s something that I don’t want to be a part of going into this year. We all feel the same way. We don’t want what happened [last year] to affect us this year, and we’re going to move on and get better every day. That’s our main goal”"

Augustin is averaging 13.0 points per game and shooting a 68.8 percent effective field goal percentage, including 7 for 15 from beyond the arc. A lot of that is weighed heavily by Augustin’s 24-point, 6-for-10 3-point-shooting performance Monday against the Mavericks. He has appeared in just three games.

But in every game he has played with the starters, Augustin has taken on the backup role over Mack. He struggled some keeping up the pace Payton sets. But Augustin has seemingly found a niche for this team.

It seems so far this year, it will not be a repeat of last year.

Then again, it is just preseason.

Augustin will have to find a way to keep the Magic’s pace up. Playing alongside another capable ball handler in Jonathon Simmons may help. But even he is a bit unproven. Orlando will need Augustin to help spread the floor for that bench unit. That means his 3-point shot will have to return.

His play as a starter Monday against the Mavericks shows what he can do when he gets hot. Augustin was shooting confidently and getting open shots for himself. The whole thing seemed to work.

If Orlando is going to have a better 2018 season than a 2017 season, Augustin will have to play a role. Provided he wins the backup point guard role.

Next: Previewing the Orlando Magic with Locked On NBA

If he can do that, the Magic will get a big return on one of their big investments from last season. At least, that alone will make the Magic a better team and prevent last year’s disaster.