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2019 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Terrence Ross

By Steven Burnley

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 27: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs on October 27, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 27: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs on October 27, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Terrence Ross, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers
PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 15: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic goes for a lay up against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 15, 2017 at the Moda Center 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

What To Look For

Terrence Ross seems to be one of the hardest working players on the Orlando Magic. He is in the gym consistently and has improved steadily throughout his NBA career (if you ignore his truncated season last year). He should be moving into the prime of his career through his next contract and should show out as a starting caliber guard.

There is a chance for Ross to turn into a player that is in high demand in the modern NBA. He is a career 37.1 percent shooter and a high-level perimeter defender. If he can do both of those things for the Magic in the next year he could demand a sizable contract, with the Magic or elsewhere.

But consistency has never been Ross’ thing. It is the question that has chased him his entire career.

The modern NBA relies heavily on these kinds of players, as teams in recent years have been playing four or even five players out and spacing the floor aggressively. The Magic have a pretty severe need for players who can space well. Ross can at least do that.

A big question for Terrence Ross coming into the season is whether coach Steve Clifford decides to run him in the first or second unit. And at what position.

Ross played the bulk of his career with the Toronto Raptors playing the 3, while Frank Vogel ran Ross at shooting guard 76 percent of the time.

Right before Terrence Ross went down to injury, Frank Vogel pulled him from the starting lineup and replaced him with Jonathon Simmons. Ross requested the change sensing his own struggles along with the team’s difficulties.

Simmons’ time as a starter was a bit of a mixed bag. It seemed as though he fits better as a sixth man who could be an up-tempo player and scorch second units.

Ross’ defense is going to be a key component for the Magic if they plan to win any games.

The starting point guard in Orlando (assuming D.J. Augustin starts) is only 6 feet tall. As such, he is a liability defensively. Solid contributions on the defensive end from Ross are going to be crucial, as that was a big weakness for the Magic last year.