Category IV — If you keep twisting my arm, I might say maybe
8. D.J. Augustin (3 years, $21.8 million)
When the Orlando Magic signed D.J. Augustin to a four-year deal, there were a lot of questions being raised. Augustin had rarely put together two good seasons back to back. The Magic seemingly did a bit of an overpay to get him.
And last season was not a good one for Augustin. He averaged just 7.9 points per game while shooting 34.7 percent from beyond the arc. It was not a good showing for him. It felt like the Magic were already regretting their backup point guard choice.
Like clockwork, Augustin has turned in a good season this year. He is averaging 8.6 points per game, but shooting a career-best 54.3 percent effective field goal percentage. The Magic’s 8-4 start came largely with D.J. Augustin starting at point guard for an injured Elfrid Payton.
This sure seems like a time to sell high on him, right?
His contract may still be tough to deal. But Augustin is a valuable backup point guard. He understands his role and can hit an open 3-pointer. He plays well off the ball too. His value quickly seems to be rising.
7. Terrence Ross (2 years, $21 million)
Terrence Ross has quickly become a forgotten player. That is what happens when you have not played since late November. And even then Ross was not playing particularly well. He averaged only 9.0 points per game and shot 32.9 percent from beyond the arc. The threat of his 3-pointer was more important than his actual 3-pointer.
It got to the point Ross asked to pull himself from the starting lineup. He was trying to find a rhythm. Maybe he would have found it if it were not for the injury. He is only now starting to run again.
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Ross may not play the rest of this season. That would be unfortunate because Ross is a smart player. He was one of the best defenders on the team. This is a team that has been poor defensively overall. Ross would be a huge benefit.
Despite Ross’ poor offensive production this year, he should still be viewed as a solid contributor overall. And his contract is extremely team friendly. Put him in the right situation where he can produce, and he will make good returns. The fact his contract is nearly expiring could make him very attractive once he is healthy again.
6. Elfrid Payton (1 year, $3.3 million)
Elfrid Payton is the great mystery of the Orlando Magic. He was the hill Rob Hennigan seemed willing to die on and the player who clearly produces a lot of counting stats, yet also seems to be the player that is holding the Magic back.
Payton has had a career year this season. He is averaging 13.0 points per game and dishing out 6.3 assists per game. All while shooting a career-best 52.0 percent from the floor and 37.3 percent from beyond the arc. Looking strictly at the numbers, it would seem Payton is having his breakout and becoming the player everyone imagined.
Then, of course, you look at the team’s record. You watch a little more tape on him and his flaws become far more glaring.
The bottom line, Payton is a four-year starter and his team has not gotten much better. It is not entirely clear if the Magic are better with him on the floor.
He is clearly very talented and can put up numbers. But that is not everything in this league. The team has struggled with him on the floor overall. The team’s record is not a complete reflection of his play, but it says something.
The reality is most teams probably do not consider Payton a starting point guard. But even more confusing for him is how to value him as a restricted free agent. Just how much is a team willing to pay for him this offseason?
That is the question everyone is surely asking if they are thinking of acquiring him. Payton is a flawed player. One who can produce. But maybe not at the high level the Magic have asked of him. Just how much is that worth overall?