2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Shelvin Mack
2019 Outlook
Shelvin Mack is not old. He is turning 28 in a few days. It just feels like he is an older player than he is. And he certainly plays with the poise of a veteran.
The Magic have a dire need for that at the moment. Just someone with consistent poise and presence. And someone who is not going to complain too much if his role diminishes and rises over the course of the year.
But Mack has value somewhere else.
The second year of his two-year, $12-million contract is only partially guaranteed. Just $1 million guaranteed if he is waived before June 29. That means on Draft night (June 21), Mack’s contract could become valuable if a team is looking to match salaries or cut some free cap.
Orlando might even be interested in cutting him outright to free up a little bit of cap room (although, realistically it will not do much because so much of their available space will get used on Aaron Gordon).
If the Magic are going to make the deals and trades they are anticipated of making this offseason, it feels almost certain the Magic will deal Mack before the NBA Draft. Just to match salaries or find some player with value. Maybe they can trade up some talent and take a risk on a disappointing young player.
If the Magic want to keep Mack, no one should be too upset though. He might be paid a little bit more than his production. But he is a solid locker room presence. Again, his role is more to keep things steady and provide consistency. Even if that play is not too spectacular all the time.
It would seem the Magic got enough out of Mack to retain his value — whether it is for themselves or for a future trade.