Getting the bench on track
For years, the Achilles heel for Orlando has been the bench. Despite having a fairly productive starting five, the Magic bench has been awful this season.
In Orlando’s last two contests, they have been outscored 94-42. It may be a small sample size, but this is a trend that has hindered Orlando all season long. When the starters are firing on all cylinders and build up a lead, the bench is quick to lose it.
In the offseason, the Magic appeared to go a long way to improve their bench. Adding veterans like Jonathon Simmons and Marresse Speights looked like improvements on paper. Even if they did not work out, the improved play of D.J. Augustin should have helped the second unit.
Jonathon Simmons has put together a strong season in regards to his stat sheet, but his inability to get others involved has hurt the bench. Every few possessions, Simmons should get control of the offense. But D.J. Augustin can run Orlando’s sets effectively.
D.J. Augustin can find players on the perimeter to set up 3-point shooters like Arron Afflalo and Mario Hezonja rather than let Jonathon Simmons drive into traffic every time.
The key to improving the bench may be Jonathan Isaac’s return. There are rumblings of him moving to the starting lineup, but he may have to come off the bench. He brings a ton of effort on the defensive end and although he still has a lot of work to do on offense, he can be a focal point with the rotational guys.