Orlando Magic Daily
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Five issues the Orlando Magic need to fix

By Ryan Doyle

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 27: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 27, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Elfrid Payton
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 27: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 27, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Elfrid Payton /
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Bismack Biyombo, Orlando Magic, D.J. Augustin, Wesley Iwundu
Left to Right, Orlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo (11), Orlando Magic guard D.J. Augustin (14) and Orlando Magic forward Wes Iwundu (25) watch the game from the bench —The Orlando Magic hots the Atlanta Hawks at Amway Center, on Wednesday, December 6, 2017.The Magic won the game in overtime play 110-106.(Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images) /

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.