2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Bismack Biyombo

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Bismack Biyombo, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics

ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 5: Bismack Biyombo #11 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics on November 5, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

In his second year with the Orlando Magic, Bismack Biyombo took a step back. Biyombo’s massive contract looms large as the offseason approaches.

It is no secret, but not much went right for the Orlando Magic this past season. Injuries and overall poor play shut down a scorching start.

For Bismack Biyombo, the 2018 season was also one to forget. He saw a drop in numbers across the board, even with a chance to take over for Nikola Vucevic, who missed plenty of games due to injury.

One of the team’s highest-paid players, Biyombo has been relegated to the bench. His strong defensive play just cannot outweigh his offensive limitations. Still, Biyombo received plenty of playing time last year.

As fans clamored for Khem Birch to take over his role, Bismack Biyombo felt his role as the primary backup big slip. He still managed to garner playing time and was the only player to play in all 82 games, but Khem Birch appeared just as a effective, and at a fraction of the cost.

Without a role, and the youth creeping up behind him, his future in Central Florida will be an interesting case study. He is probably one of the best defensive big men on the roster, but with his price tag and flawed game, will he be worth keeping around for three more seasons?

Scattered throughout the season, Biyombo showed flashes of what he was signed to do. Protect the rim, snatch rebounds and be available for easy lobs at the rim. Those games just did not come around enough to stop the losses from piling up.

Despite all the issues, he was someone head coach Frank Vogel could count on. A veteran who has played in Eastern Conference Finals, as well as lottery bound squads, Biyombo has seen it all.

That contract hangs over his head, but figuring out the right role for him remains elusive.