2019 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Jarell Martin

4 of 5

Jarell Martin, Deyonta Davis, Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers

PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 1: Deyonta Davis #21 and Jarell Martin #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies reach for the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 1, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Place of Last Chances

This is truly Jarell Martin’s last chance in the league in all likelihood.

His rookie contract is expiring and he has hardly made an impact on the league. Save for a few spot minutes and extended time last year, Martin has struggled to make an impact in the NBA. That will continue to be his issue.

The Orlando Magic are not about to start him. But Martin could easily slide in as the backup power forward and see similar minutes to what he saw last year. That could help him continue to grow and continue to find the consistency that eluded him with the Memphis Grizzlies. Or it could be the moment for him where he simply falls out of the league.

That is the pressure he and plenty others face at the end of their rookie contract. But it is also something the Magic targeted in their free agency.

Like Jarell Martin, Jerian Grant is also facing the questions about his future. Jerian Grant has similarly struggled to find his place in the NBA as his rookie contract comes to an end.

But both players have found themselves with the Magic in a situation where the Magic can give them playing time and seem open to giving them the chance to prove themselves. They both should have prominent roles off the bench. And if they succeed there, there is almost certainly a future somewhere in the league for both of them.

That is something the Magic are clearly OK with doing. Their offseason strategy sought to maintain long-term flexibility and keep their books open. Doing that meant chasing players on their rookie contracts and giving young players a chance they might not get elsewhere.

Orlando is going to be a bit of a proving ground for a lot of young players this year. Martin is certainly included among them.