Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Terrence Ross has saved the Orlando Magic’s season singlehandedly

By Muhammed Jumani

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 30: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 30, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 30: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 30, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Terrence Ross has been a pleasant surprise for Steve Clifford and the Orlando Magic.  His consistent production off the bench has saved the season from dwindling.

When the Orlando Magic acquired Terrence Ross, there were mixed reactions.

Most fans were upset the Magic traded Serge Ibaka for an inconsistent bench player. They knew it was inevitable as the season was off the rails and the team needed to recoup something for a player destined to leave in free agency. It felt like Terrence Ross was a small return for the Victor Oladipo trade.

Ross played for the lottery-bound Magic after the All-Star Break and impressed many fans with his defense. Then his second year, he had a knee injury that ended his season in November.

Now, in his 3rd year with Orlando, and a well-established coach in Steve Clifford, Terrence Ross has finally found a consistent role in Orlando. And just in time with his upcoming free agency.

His role is coming off the Magic bench and provide the Magic with instant offense. And at times they ask him to close games — he finishes games anyway for the threat of his shooting and spurtability. His gifted ability to knock down shots even when he is off balance is something defenses simply have to respect.

This year, the Magic have something they have not had in years past, a consistent offensive option off the bench. Ross has the ability to get hot very quick and no matter what the defense does, he reshapes his body and gets a shot up and makes it. Ross needs very little space to get his shots and can make them accurately when he is in a rhythm.

He has the ability to knock down shots off pindown screens, something no players on the Magic roster have. Well, it is something not many guys in the league can consistently do as it is a very tough shot to knock down.

In 28 minutes this season, Ross is averaging close to 15 points per game on 42-percent shooting from the field and 37-percent from the 3-point range. That is a career high in points per game for Ross’s career.

He has handled taking a reserve role very maturely.  Ross is a starter-caliber player in this league and there is no question about it. But the responsibility of leading the second unit and understanding the importance has had a direct impact on the Magic’s success.

The Magic’s lack of depth often puts a lot of the onus on Ross to create offense. Orlando has had to reshuffle lineups to keep enough offensive threats in the game. But Ross is the wild card of it all. He is someone the defense has to always respect and can change the energy of the game in an instant.

The Magic have a go-to option off the bench for the first time in this rebuild. To no surprise, this is their best season in the last six years.

Clifford’s system has helped Ross a ton too. He has a set role in the offense and consistently has plays run for him.

Ross’ outstanding play has opened up so many shots for the guys in the second unit. The rolls to the rim for Khem Birch, for example, are open many times, that is because defenses tend to double Terrence Ross or stick to Ross on the perimeter, leaving the lane open.

It is vital for the Magic to re-sign Ross this offseason. He is way too important for the Magic to keep this lethal offensive weapon off the bench. A guy they can go to at any time.

Even when he is cold, the defenses have to respect his range and cover him. The Magic have few players who can do that and demand that kind of respect. And precious few off the bench.

Ross often does not get the credit he deserves. His play is sometimes overlooked due to the starters’ outstanding play. But he has single-handedly saved the Magic’s season from being another lottery-bound season. Ross’ career year is absolutely a reason why the Magic find themselves where they are.

Next. Orlando Magic must punch first to make playoffs. dark

For the first time in this rebuild, the Magic are actually in the running for the last couple spots in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, and that has a lot to do with Ross.