Shelvin Mack keeps Orlando Magic youth, bench stable

Shelvin Mack does not produce much in the way of counting stats. But he has played an important role keeping the team stable through this rocky season.

Coach Frank Vogel knows he is asking a lot of Shelvin Mack when he puts him out on the court in the second quarter of games recently.

Injuries have obviously limited his options, stretching his depth thin. And the end of another season without any playoff hopes has had him eyeing younger players in his rotation. The Orlando Magic are not the Orlando Magic he thought he would have.

And the lineups Mack has played with these last few games are not the lineups Mack likely imagined when he signed up with the Magic this summer.

Then again, Mack is hardly the player to complain. That is partly what Vogel and the Magic like so much about him.

"[My role is] to try to keep everyone stable,” Mack said of playing with that younger lineup. “We’ve got a lot of guys playing different positions. We’re just trying to figure it out and get comfortable with each other. Just try to remain solid and make everybody’s life easier on the court.”"

So out there goes Shelvin Mack with Rodney Purvis, Wesley Iwundu, Khem Birch and Bismack Biyombo. A lineup that Vogel admits is full of defenders and asks Mack to do too much. A lineup that in 21 minutes has a -14.7 net rating with a 112.9 defensive rating, seemingly unable to do the thing each player was supposed to be good at.

But that is the Magic’s lot right now. Mack having to take control offensively with this lineup and try to generate something for this team.

Orlando Magic

And Mack is the one guy the Magic can trust in these situations.

He is the chameleon able to take on that role but better fitting as a supporting cast member, whether it is supporting young players on and off the court or keeping stability on the court.

Mack has been someone the team can rely on comfortably throughout the season.

"“He’s a coach. He approaches the game that way,” Vogel said. “He understands the game that way. He is one of the most mature players I have ever coached understanding how things should be done. He has a great IQ on the floor and has elevated his play throughout the season. As he got more and more comfortable, he has played a terrific brand of basketball for us.”"

This season, Mack is averaging 6.6 points per game on a meager 49.3 percent effective field goal percentage. All numbers in line with his general career averages. He has had his big moments, but usually what he does goes unseen in a box score.

His play has increased as his playing time increased after the Elfrid Payton trade. Mack is averaging 9.6 points per game since the All-Star Break.

He is just a reliable table-setter for everyone else. A vital cog for a rebuilding team. The kind of player Vogel said rebuilding teams are criticized for not having.

And at this point of the season, that is something the Magic need as they focus on inconsistent young players throughout their lineup. Mack has proven himself to be a team leader.

Whether that is helping Mario Hezonja develop further and grow as a young player, shedding some of his inconsistent habits and tendencies, or helping Jonathan Isaac focus on his future.

"“He really understands how the NBA game goes,” Mario Hezonja said. “That’s what I need. Coach sees everything because of video. But feel for the game we’re playing together, I love having guys like Shelvin because right after the mistake he is going to tell you what is going on. I know what he is saying will be good for us and good for me and my future.”"

Mack has not only provided that stability to the lineup but has been a big guide for young players. Something amazing to think about a player who is still only 27 years old.

Mack said a lot of his wisdom comes from his experience being around some great players. Guys like Paul Millsap and Al Horford with the Atlanta Hawks or Joe Johnson and Gordon Hayward with the Utah Jazz. He saw how all those players worked on successful teams and what made those teams stick together.

Mack is not about to turn into an All-Star point guard. He seems to know exactly what he is and what role he can play for this team. Those kinds of players remain important.

The veteran guard became someone Vogel could rely on. In some ways, he has become his secret weapon as Frank Vogel has used him alongside D.J. Augustin. The veteran duo has proven an effective combination for the team.

But that is a lineup that does not have much bearing on the team’s future. The rest of this season is still about how the Magic can develop players moving forward.

Mack’s ability to keep things steady for that group will prove his biggest asset. Mack said he is hopeful he can return to the team for the second year of his two-year deal (next year is only partially guaranteed) and help keep pushing the team in the right direction.

"“I think we’ve started something going in the right direction,” Mack said. “I have a great mind with the young guys, especially Isaac. I feel like I can help him and help the organization grow.”"

The one thing everyone can say is Mack is someone they can lean on. He has paid his lessons forward and is trying to help guide the Magic through the remainder of this season. Imparting whatever lessons he can.

That has helped the team grow some. And it has helped give Mack plenty of purpose in these final few games.

Next: Orlando Magic got the modern offense Frank Vogel promised

In this rocky season, Mack has been steadfast as someone the Magic can trust to continue their building.