Orlando Magic Daily
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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, Toronto Raptors
Terrence Ross, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors /

What Could Go Wrong

Obviously, Terrence Ross is coming off a pretty traumatic injury. He played only 24 games in the 2018 season. There is no guarantee he comes back the same player even with all the work he put in.

He suffered from a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee and a non-displaced fracture in his right leg. Now neither of those injuries are career ending. J.J. Watt, for example, went through something similar last season and is back performing at a high level already. But, obviously, it is something to keep an eye on.

Perhaps most importantly, Ross let his 3-point percentage slip. The Magic already crowd the paint, boasting the third-worst team 3-point field goal percentage in the league at 35.1 percent. The team is in desperate need of threats from deep. When Ross is incapable of contributing with the three ball, he was relegated to the second unit.

Regardless of any of that, Ross’ reputation as a shooter gives him some gravity defenses have to account for. And that helps the team as a whole.

Ross’ defense needs to be solid for him to fit with the team. The Magic should have excellent paint defense, boasting two of the lengthiest shot blockers in the league. Solid perimeter defense would really help Mohamed Bamba and Jonathan Isaac shine and develop, allowing them to focus on learning and doing what they do best.

Their interior defense should likewise help make the perimeter defense a little easier by making the other team less likely to drive and more likely to settle for a sub-par shot.