Shooting will give Rashad Vaughn his opportunity
The Orlando Magic welcomed 10-day signee Rashad Vaughn to the fold this week. Whether he makes good on his talent and makes it will come down to his shot.
Rashad Vaughn was still getting things down ahead of his first game in an Orlando Magic uniform. This has been an all-too-familiar scene for Vaughn this year.
The team that drafted him, the Milwaukee Bucks, traded him to the Brooklyn Nets on Feb. 5. Then the Brooklyn Nets sent him on to the New Orleans Pelicans a few days later. And only a few days after that, he was cut, looking for a new team.
That is how quickly things can fall apart for a player. Even one selected in the first round. Performance counts to stay in the league and establish yourself even as a player.
And second chances are harder to come by.
So Vaughn was there Tuesday after the Magic’s first practice running through the offense one more time with some support staffers and Magic rookies. He is trying to get everything down to make the most of this second chance opportunity. A chance that is coming from the man who gave him his first.
Vaughn has 10 days — now eight as of Thursday — to make his mark.
"“I think seizing the moment and being able to play within the offense,” Vaughn said of his goals. “Just being a good teammate. That’s just who I am. I am going to get along with the guys. I will cheer them on and be a great teammate. I don’t think it has anything to do with standing out. I think when my opportunity comes on the floor, my play will be able to show that I should be here.”"
Vaughn said the back and forth and up and down play that characterized his last month was not as difficult as it might seem.
What has been difficult is how he has played when he gets his opportunity. It is rare to see a first-round pick have his option declined before his restricted free agency. It is rarer to see a player taken so close to the Lottery get so little playing time.
Vaughn has averaged only 12.2 minutes per game across 134 games played in three seasons. This year, he has played in just 177 minutes across 23 games, scoring 59 points on 37.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
The numbers are not encouraging. And like other would-be shooters, when they do not get much time it is hard to get into a rhythm and make an impact. Vaughn never made his mark and got pushed to the side.
Vaughn was drafted as a scorer and potential spot-up shooter. He was able to put up points in bunches for the UNLV Rebels, but never quite hit consistency as his team struggled. Drafting him was a bet on his shooting and his length creating efficiency.
Still, any player who can shoot can find a place in this league. Former Bucks general manager John Hammond, the general manager who originally drafted Vaughn, clearly still believes in Vaughn’s shooting ability.
And that is what will have to stand out for him to succeed in the next 10 days.
"“He’s got a good-looking shot,” coach Frank Vogel said after Rashad Vaughn’s first practice. “That’s what this league is about nowadays. We’re going to see him defend and how he passes and playmakes and how quickly he can pick up the plays and the defensive schemes and all that stuff that is part of a 10-day evaluation. But he can definitely shoot the ball.”"
That is certainly the way for him to make his mark. To finally make good on his promise and potential and make enough shots to make an impact. One 10-day contract will have to lead into a second and then a contract for the rest of the year — or a possible Summer League invite.
The pressure on Vaughn is going to be high too. The Magic have plenty of other players and needs that could angle for that spot.
Before the All-Star Break, president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said the team was looking to use its open roster spot to add a third point guard. Vaughn is decidedly not a third point guard. The Magic may try to see how much he can playmake, but the team will have to get creative if D.J. Augustin or Shelvin Mack is not available.
Frank Vogel suggested he could use Wesley Iwundu as a third point guard or Jonathon Simmons to fill in if needed.
Behind Vaughn too are some players from Lakeland who could easily push for time. Troy Caupain and Rodney Purvis have played extremely well for the Lakeland Magic. They could also receive 10-day deals. Jamel Artis is also still on a two-way deal. These are all wing players, like Vaughn.
And, if the Magic like Vaughn enough, they could always keep him in the G-League and bring him back for Summer League. Even if they do not keep him on the main roster for the remainder of the year.
Vaughn will get that first crack though. He has experienced plenty of ups and downs already in his career.
Orlando Magic
It seems as though Vaughn has taken a good approach to things. He knows he is still young and he can still grow his game and show off new aspects.
But the first thing he has to do is prove he belongs and take advantage of the opportunities he has in front of him.
As much as he has struggled this year and in his career, Vaughn has shown signs of life. His 37 percent 3-point shooting is a positive sign. So too is his 41.9 percent shooting on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers this year.
He clearly has the talent. It is now just about finding his fit, getting opportunity and taking advantage.
At least through one practice, Vaughn feels like he can.
"“Definitely I can see I fit in,” Vaughn said. “They like to get up and down the floor, shoot 3s, they have a lot of athletes. I think that is my style of play. I think I will fit in real well.”"
The question that remains is how the Magic will give Vaughn his opportunity. He will likely take Arron Afflalo‘s minutes for now if the Magic are ready to throw him into the fire.
Next: Orlando Magic eager to get back to health, back to work
Ultimately whether Vaughn makes it this time will come down to how much he can contribute. And whether he is making his shot.