Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Volume 31: Waiting on the team to change

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 27, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

From Tjoxle via Orlando Magic Subreddit AMA

"Which magic player do you believe is under the most pressure to perform? (Bad contract, hasn’t produced, trying to make roster) can be anyone"

There is definitely a lot of pressure up and down the roster. Guys are always fighting to prove their place in the NBA and get that next contract. And that is always where I go.

I think Terrence Ross is facing a lot of pressure to perform this year. Coming off last year when he was injured the entire year, Ross has to set his market this season. it does not seem likely he will be able to match his $10 million per year salary from his last four years.

Ross likely lands somewhere in the NBA because he is a talented player, but the amount he makes could get determined. A poor ryearr might send him hurtling toward minimum territory with how teams are hesitant to give out big contracts.

Ross should be able to play well. He has always been an even-keeled guy who fills in gaps. His impact goes well beyond his statistics. But Ross has not played serious basketball in what feels like a year (he was injured in November and was struggling to shoot before that time).

There are plenty of other players facing the same kind of contract pressure. Nikola Vucevic is in a contract year. He will likely be seeing a reduced role when his next contract comes around.

Then there is Jonathon Simmons playing on a non-guaranteed year next year. It seems like he is pretty safe to get that guaranteed. Especially if he continues to grow off what he did last year.

I do not think there is a ton of pressure on any of the Magic’s big-name players to perform. Aaron Gordon obviously has to continue his growth but he just secured his long-term deal. I doubt he takes any significant step back with his game. And Jonathan Isaac and Mohamed Bamba are still growing. I think their production should be relatively meager still (Isaac might be under some increased pressure to look like a growing role player who could be something more).

There is still pressure on every player to perform But nothing heightens that pressure quite like playing in a contract year.