2019 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: D.J. Augustin

4 of 5

D.J. Augustin, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 7: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic fakes a shot during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at STAPLES Center on March 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Ups and Downs

D.J. Augustin’s career has followed a rather disturbing and consistent trend. He typically follows a good year with a bad year before bouncing back for another good year. And over and over and over.

Aside from him bouncing between teams — last year was the first time he played two full seasons with the same team since 2011 and 2012 (his first four years with the Charlotte Bobcats) — his career has been defined by the inconsistency from year to year.

Augustin has never had consecutive years shooting better than a 50-percent effective field goal percentage. He has not had consecutive years averaging more than 10 points per game since 2012.

Really since his rookie contract ended and he left Charlotte, Augustin has been wandering around a bit, unable to find the perfect fit. The Magic, with another coaching change, are a bit of an uncertain fit — although coach Steve Clifford will surely like the consistency Augustin can bring to the situation.

Even in Orlando, Augustin was a bit up and down. His first year, he averaged 7.9 points per game with a 46.9 percent effective field goal percentage. He bounced back last year to average 10.2 points per game with a 55.7 percent effective field goal percentage.

It is obviously degrees with Augustin. He is not averaging a ton more points than before. That rarely vacillates too high or too low.

It is his efficiency that seems to go up and down. Some years he is an incredibly accurate shooter like he was last year. Other years, he struggles to make shots consistently.

The biggest question facing Augustin and the Magic, especially considering the role Augustin is about to undertake with this team, is whether Augustin can break this pattern.

Certainly, Augustin as one of the oldest players on the team will have to provide a steady level of play for the team for the Magic to experience any kind of success. That is what Orlando is banking on in sticking with Augustin over going after other options.

But Augustin has something to prove himself this year too.