Orlando Magic Daily
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Mix and Match: Intriguing Lineups the Orlando Magic could explore this year

By Zach Palmer

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 6: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 6: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Terrence Ross, Orlando Magic
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) /

All-Bench Lineup

Jerian Grant/Jonathon Simmons/Terrence Ross/Khem Birch/Mohammed Bamba

This one really is not that fun because it is almost certainly what the Magic will do if Jonathan Isaac and Aaron Gordon both start.

Sadly, based on his tenure with the Charlotte Hornets, Steve Clifford does not seem to be a big believer in staggering lineups.

In an ideal world, the Magic would stagger Isaac or Gordon and have them play with the second unit to keep them afloat.

On the upside, this lineup is actually a pretty solid lineup outside of the large spacing issue of Khem Birch at power forward when he is clearly a center on offense. One could hope Mohamed Bamba ends up being enough of a 3-point threat he can sit from range and maybe the Magic would have proper spacing for Jerian Grant and Jonathon Simmons’ relentless attacks at the rim.

Defensively, this group has some potential if Simmons and Grant actually show some effort on defense.

Grant, in his time with the Chicago Bulls, was somewhat maligned for his defense. Based on his size and athleticism profile, he should be a better defender than he is.

The same is true for Simmons. As Magic fans witnessed last year there was no reason for Simmons to be as poor defensively as he was but he always seemed to be a step slow. Maybe some of that had to do from an increased offensive load and his dramatic increase in total minutes played.

Compared to years past, this lineup might potentially keep the Magic in games. Having Terrence Ross and Jonathon Simmons’ volume score off the bench is a pretty nice luxury for the Magic. In addition, Bamba and Birch should make life a living hell for opposing benches in the paint.