Orlando Magic are next man up trying to replace Terrence Ross
The Orlando Magic will be searching for someone to step up and help fill the void left by Terrence Ross and his absence with a knee injury.
In an instant, the Orlando Magic’s season changed.
Terrence Ross was going up to challenge a layup as any player might and as every player should. Then he was down on the ground writhing in pain. The collision with Russell Westbrook created a pile on the floor. And Ross landed awkwardly, appearing to roll his knee.
Ross knew almost immediately he was in pain. Even gingerly walking off the floor under his own power late in the second quarter, it was clear his night was done at the least. It seemed impossible he would not escape without some kind of sprain.
The news came down Thursday that Ross would be out indefinitely with a sprained MCL and a fracture in his tibial plateau. The Magic and Ross seem hopeful he will return at some point. But nobody knows exactly when that will be.
It put a small damper on an otherwise joyful night as the Magic snapped their nine-game losing streak. That helped ease the mood. Losing Ross will not be easy.
And so, the season marches on without Ross. The Magic have to find someone ready to step up.
"“The next guy has got to step up,” coach Frank Vogel said. “Every team in the league loses guys for parts of the season. Now we’re encountering that. A starter level player. Next guy has to step up. Arron Afflalo will probably get the bulk of his minutes right now. D.J. Augustin has been playing really well. We can play him and Elfrid together. Shelvin Mack has to be ready and we are going to call up Wes Iwundu too. He has to be ready too.”"
Arron Afflalo will get the first crack at filling in Terrence Ross’ minutes. He is averaging a paltry 1.9 points per game on 30.3 percent shooting in 11.3 minutes per game. Afflalo is not the efficient, ball-dominating shooter he was in his first stint.
In fact, his minutes have come so inconsistently, it is hard to tell much about his rhythm. At this point, Afflalo is the default choice because he is a veteran.
Vogel praised Afflalo for fitting into the system. He said he told Afflalo not to worry about his numbers. His sporadic playing time had likely knocked him out of rhythm.
What he valued in Afflalo is his commitment to the team’s defensive principles, his ability to box out (a sore need for this team) and the confidence that when his time came he would be able to produce at his career averages.
Orlando Magic
At least to start without Ross, the Magic are banking on Afflalo to deliver what he has done throughout his entire career. With more minutes and a more consistent role, they expect his raw numbers to rise.
"“I’m obviously in team-first mode,” Afflalo said. “This is still a game where you have to be accountable for what you produce on the court. With Terrence being out, there are some extra minutes there. I will find myself in a better rhythm and able to make more shots and make more plays.”"
Afflalo will get the first crack, but Vogel is not short on options.
Jonathan Isaac continues to inch closer to his return to the court. He could easily fill in some of Ross’ minutes once he is healthy. It seems he is getting closer, but he is likely out for Friday’s game against the Golden State Warriors.
Vogel also teased potentially playing smaller lineups with Shelvin Mack or D.J. Augustin playing some shooting guard. Vogel may call on them in moments to step up and play.
It also seems likely the Magic will use second-round pick Wesley Iwundu for that spot. The Magic plan to call Iwundu up to rejoin the team permanently Friday. The Lakeland Magic played the Grand Rapids Drive on Thursday. The Magic do not expect Wesley Iwundu back with the team until shortly before tip off. But they may throw him in there quickly once he returns.
The reports from Lakeland have been good for Iwundu. He is averaging 17.6 points per game and 9.0 rebounds per game, showing the open-floor skill and defensive versatility the Magic liked in the draft.
While Vogel did not mention Mario Hezonja specifically as a potential option to fill in for Ross, he remains available to play some small forward if need be. And the Magic could always increase the minutes for starters Evan Fournier and Jonathon Simmons to fill the void.
Vogel might have to feel his way through some of his options, but he has plenty of places he can go if things do not work out. Afflalo merely will get the first call.
The true message is the cliched “next man up.” Something the Magic have dealt with already this year with injuries to D.J. Augustin, Elfrid Payton and Jonathan Isaac.
"“We lost a starter before,” Vogel said. “We played some really good basketball. This is a next-man-up league. We’re a next-man-up team. We shouldn’t expect anything less than going out and competing and winning games.”"
The Magic are scrambling to replace Ross, but they are going to find that difficult. Ross is a starter-caliber player on this team. His move to the bench was supposed to add some scoring punch. The team’s depth is tested now losing such a key player.
Even more, the Magic’s defense will get tested too.
Ross had developed into one of the team’s better defenders this year. He was sometimes a bit overaggressive and over-eager in help side. Ross understands how to use his athleticism and length to his benefit.
But for a team struggling to defend consistently, his effort always stood out. The Magic may end up missing that most of all.
No one can overcompensate to do what Ross does. Each player has to play his role and do what he can to help the team win. Orlando will undoubtedly be hurting without Ross for whatever time he is out.
But the Magic still have to band together to replace him. No matter who Vogel calls on.
"“It’s tough because this is a team that has to realize its potential by the numbers in the group,” Afflalo said. “It’s never going to be one particular guy every single night. Terrence has been playing well lately. He’s one of our better shooter and playmakers. He’ll get back.”"
Next: Toughness is Orlando Magic's salvation from losing streak
The phrase next man up is certainly apt. And the Magic will be searching for someone to hold that void for the time being.