2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: D.J. Augustin

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D.J. Augustin, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics

ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 16: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics on March 16, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Orlando Magic thrust D.J. Augustin into a starting role for most of the season. He surprisingly thrived and proved to be a consistent veteran.

When D.J. Augustin signed with the Orlando Magic last summer, it was a relief for Augustin and a look of confusion from Magic fans. Augustin was happy just to have a multi-year contract and the chance to put down some roots.

Little did anyone know what else was coming that summer for the Magic. But Augustin’s four-year, $29 million was a big thing to live up to.

At the very least, Augustin had to show himself to be a backup point guard. Or of that quality. And consistency has hardly been his thing. He seemed always to follow a good season with a bad season and then a bad season with a good season.

So many of the Magic’s other moves from the summer of 2017 were so disastrous that Augustin seemed to be the least of everyone’s worries. He struggled a lot to hold down the position in his first season in Orlando.

His second season with the Magic was a much different story.

Often pressed into starting duties, Augustin came to own the position. For a team that struggled with injuries at point guard all season and eventually decided to transition there, Augustin held things down. He was a breath of consistency no matter what his role was.

It does not mean Augustin is someone who is a clear part of the team’s future. It just means he became dependable. For a team that had little to depend on, that was important for the Magic overall.

In pure Augustin fashion, he turned in a solid season. Not a spectacular one — although it had its spectacular moments for him — but a solid one. That is all the Magic ever asked of him. With the minutes he receives, just be solid and consistent, limit mistakes and keep the boat steady.

For the entire season, Augustin might have been the Magic’s best point guard. That is even when Elfrid Payton was there.

Orlando got off to their hot start largely with Augustin as the starter and he delivered consistently throughout the season.

The hope now is that Augustin can deliver back to back strong seasons for the first time since early in his career.