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

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SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 13: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 13, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Final Grade

. PG. Orlando Magic. D.J. AUGUSTIN. A-

The expectations for D.J. Augustin were extremely low entering the season. He had a poor 2017 season and seemed like the team was already grooming a replacement in signing Shelvin Mack.

Augustin had always been a solid veteran, but one who relied upon a good situation and a good system to set him up. It is probably why he bounced around the league so much. The 2018 season was the first time Augustin played for the same team in consecutive years since his first years with the Charlotte Bobcats.

That stability helped him. But he also took advantage of a major opportunity that fell into his lap.

He was a completely different player this year. Or maybe he was the same and just more effective?

Augustin is not going to tear up the league or tear up defenses with his dribbling or anything else. He is going to play within the offense and make shots when open while driving smartly through the lane. He is a good enough scorer to produce some raw counting stats when given the opportunity.

Augustin had plenty of that throughout the season.

No one is confusing Augustin for the team’s starting point guard of the future. If that is the expectation for him, it is misguided. But, while the team needs to start turning things over with its starting lineup, coming into the season with Augustin as the starting point guard would not be the worst thing in the world. Although, it probably is not ideal.

Augustin’s ideal role is likely coming off the bench. He works really well in sixth man lineups with another ball handler who can move Augustin off the ball and allow him to space the floor. Then again, Augustin is good in the pick and roll in his own right.

Augustin was one of the few bright spots all season. He was a player who far exceeded expectations.

Next: 2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Wesley Iwundu

Now he just has to do it again. That has been the most difficult thing for him to do throughout his career.