Orlando Magic Daily
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2019 Orlando Magic: Five questions for the third quarter of the season

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 18: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the New York Knicks on November 18, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 18: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the New York Knicks on November 18, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jerian Grant, Orlando Magic
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 22: Jerian Grant #22 of the Orlando Magic passes the ball against the Boston Celtics on October 22, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Who emerges as the backup point guard?

This is a question that probably should not be answered at the midpoint of the season. Yet, the Magic are still trying to figure this out.

The team acquired Jerian Grant on a bit of a flyer hoping he could fill in the minutes behind D.J. Augustin. Even relying on D.J. Augustin as the starter was a bit of a hope and prayer. At least that part has worked out well.

Jerian Grant certainly has not.

He is averaging only 4.1 points per game on a 48.1 percent effective field goal percentage. He has played decent defense. But his shot is inconsistent and he struggles to get into the lane consistently. Grant has never really gotten the second unit going this year.

The Magic have a -10.9 net rating with Grant on the floor with a woeful 96.5 offensive rating. That is part of some of the Magic’s worst lineups. So that is not all on Grant, of course.

But Steve Clifford has obviously moved on as he has looked for other options at the position. He tried Jonathon Simmons as the backup point guard. Jonathon Simmons struggled to get his own shot going even though his assists started creeping up.

Steve Clifford tried Isaiah Briscoe in the role during the Orlando Magic’s loss to the Utah Jazz. Isaiah Briscoe will get some time to try that out for the time being.

Undoubtedly, point guard is the most pressing need for the Magic. And it is the number one thing they must address whenever they make their next move.

Orlando needs a new point guard. That is not to say Augustin is not playing admirably. He is. But the team has to find a solution for the position. Or at least a stopgap behind Augustin off the bench if they want to salvage this season or make some noise.

In any case, as the Magic begin to consider what they will do at the trade deadline, they will surely look to shore up this position in one form or another. Nothing Orlando does will have too much of a short-term bent to it. The Magic need to keep their long-term vision in mind, especially if they take on long-term salary.

Regardless of that, if the Magic are intent on winning this year, they need to find a backup point guard sooner than later.