Final Grade
Expectations were admittedly low for D.J. Augustin entering the season. There was general disgust with the Orlando Magic’s lack of attention to the point guard position in the offseason. Everyone believed this would be one of the reasons for the Magic’s inevitable failure.
It turned out Augustin’s consistency, toughness and reliability became one of the reasons for the Magic’s success. On a roster that had a lot of young players with inconsistent production, it was D.J. Augustin and Nikola Vucevic who set the table for the team to make a playoff run and get to 42 wins.
That is probably not a formula for long-term success. But it worked this season.
Augustin was a good floor spacer and an extremely smart decision maker. The team needed his consistency and the way he managed games was vital to the team’s ultimate success. The Magic would not be anywhere without Augustin.
He was never someone to listen to doubters or listen to the articles that were written previewing the Magic’s season and pointing him out as the weak link. He did his work and proved them all wrong.
Over and over again.
Augustin was the perfect leader for this team. Always composed. Diligent with his work. And consistent with his approach and play. He always kept his level when everything else was going wild. That was as vital to the team erasing that 20-31 deficit to get to 42-40 as anything else.
Orlando could always count on Augustin and that was vital for the team. That is as important as anything.
The question with Augustin is always about whether he can do it again. His career has seen some wild ups and downs. A lot of that had to do with his constant sojourn through the league. He now has stability and will play for the same team for a fourth straight year if he remains with the team next year.
It was a stellar season for Augustin. One that established his consistency in the league and at least calmed the questions about the point guard position.