2019 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Jarell Martin

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Jarell Martin, Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic

ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 26: Jarell Martin #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes up for a dunk against the Orlando Magic on December 26, 2016 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Orlando Magic did a player swap and found themselves with Jarell Martin. The athletic power forward has struggled to find his fit. He must do it now.

In a flurry of moves, the Orlando Magic seemingly shuffled a lot of patio furniture.

Rodney Purvis turned into Dakari Johnson who then turned into Jarell Martin. The Magic flipped a young, intriguing player who starred in the G-League into a more established player who starred in the G-League but did not have a clear fit on a team loaded at center. Then they turned him into another intriguing, young player.

Martin’s career to this point has been anything but consistent. He has been the young player stuck on a veteran team without a really definable skill.

He has never averaged more than 10 points per game, even last year when he finally got serious minutes and a consistent role. He averaged 22.8 minutes per game, appearing in 73 games with 36 starts. He averaged 7.7 points per game and 4.4 rebounds per game. More minutes led to more production.

Martin does not stand out in many ways. He has a decent jumper that seems to slowly expand to the 3-point line. Especially when he gets his feet set. And when he gets downhill and going to the basket, he has the athleticism to finish aggressively around and above the rim.

He has the size to rebound well and can collect boards efficiently. Especially considering he fits the profile more of a traditional power forward. That creates a bit of an advantage.

Really, at this stage, Martin is looking to find his way in the NBA still. He was barely getting opportunities with the Memphis Grizzlies and a new situation might be what he needs to break through. Of course, the motivation of a contract year might do that too.

Martin has a lot on the line this season. A new situation provides a new opportunity. And Martin should find himself playing a critical role off the bench (once again) for the Magic. Of course, not even that is guaranteed with the Magic’s overall positional versatility.

Martin is a big guy who should be solid defensively. But he fits the mold of the traditional power forward and so lacks much of the versatility and athleticism that has come to characterize Magic players. That does not mean he will not find a way to contribute. But the Magic may find themselves picking their spots with him.

In the end, Martin will have his opportunity to prove his place. With his contract situation, it may be once and for all.