Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Volume 31: Waiting on the team to change
From Jake Doe via Orlando Magic Subreddit AMA
"Who’s the ideal PG to add to this roster and grow with BIG?"
I am still debating this. I am not sure what this team needs quite yet. And some of that might be because I still do not know what the team will get from Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac and Mohamed Bamba.
It would make sense that the team find someone who can get the most out of those players. So shooting feels like a must. As does the length and defensive versatility to cover for them and disrupt their offense. Not to mention someone who can hold the boat steady and manage the whole team. For now, that probably also means some creation ability.
That seems like a pretty big wishlist.
I will be on record to say that I thought someone like Isaiah Thomas would have been perfect for this group as currently constructed. He does not have the defensive ability you ultimately want, but he can dominate the ball offensively, run pick and rolls with any player, spread the floor with his shooting and create for others. That would have been a good boost to the team this year.
For now, the Magic decided to stick with D.J. Augustin, valuing his shooting and consistency. But he is probably not the guy for the long-term either. His size and defensive shortcomings likely are not quite what the Magic are looking for.
So who are the model point guards for this team? Again, I am still not sure what the answer to that is. I am not sure what kind of team the Magic want to build.
Chris Paul would be a good answer. But who does not want a player like Paul? He is one of the best point guards in the league.
Does someone like John Wall make sense? Someone who mixes speed and size to create for others and put pressure on defenses through his dribble penetration.
Maybe someone more cerebral and defensive minded like Mike Conley? That feels like it might be more on the money. Someone who can create his own shot and defend at a high level while managing the game well. Sort of like Deron Williams when he was in his prime and laid claim to best point guard in the league.