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2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Shelvin Mack

By Philip Rossman-Reich

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 3: Shelvin Mack #7 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the New York Knicks on April 3, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 3: Shelvin Mack #7 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the New York Knicks on April 3, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Shelvin Mack, Orlando Magic, Deandre Bembry, Atlanta Hawks
Shelvin Mack, Orlando Magic, Deandre Bembry, Atlanta Hawks /

The Good and the Bad

Per Game Table
G MP FG% 3P% eFG% FT% TRB AST STL TOV PTS
69 19.8 .430 .345 .488 .711 2.4 3.9 0.8 1.3 6.9

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 4/19/2018.

Shelvin Mack’s individual numbers will never look super impressive. He scored only 6.9 points per game, shot a paltry 43.0 percent from the floor and had an effective field goal percentage worse than 50 percent. It was a typical year for Mack in that sense — his career average is 6.4 points per game with a 48.1 percent effective field goal percentage.

If there is one thing that is true about Shelvin Mack it is that he is consistent. Not spectacular but consistent.

Mack was not a reliable 3-point shooter. But he made enough to keep opponents honest. He was not a fantastic passer and playmaker, but he does not take risks with the ball. He will reliably protect the ball and make the right play.

Even if he did not produce statistically, that made him extremely valuable. For better or for worse, the coaching staff always trusted Mack. He was coach Frank Vogel’s security blanket in a lot of ways. And Vogel, hoping to add stability and poise to the lineup, was always trying to find a way to get him out there on the floor.

That made for some odd fits in the lineup, especially early.

Mack admitted he struggled to find his place early in the season. The Magic were set at point guard. He was largely playing shooting guard off the ball. That is not something he was completely used to and he struggled for it.

Before the All-Star Break, Mack averaged 5.5 points per game and 3.8 assists per game. He posted a 47.8 percent effective field goal percentage. After the All-Star Break, he averaged 9.2 points and 4.2 assists per game with a 49.8 percent effective field goal percentage. Ironically, the team had a better plus/minus with Mack on the floor before the break but no one would say Mack was better then.

Mack found his comfort and his fit later on in the season. He provided that needed stability and produced as his role became more defined later in the season.

Mack was never a player that had to have a role on the team. He just needed some clear direction for what the team needed from him. Mack would keep an even keel no matter where Vogel wanted to play him.

When he got that consistent playing time, he helped bring that consistent stable play to the court.