2018-19 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Isaiah Briscoe

Final Grade

There were literally no expectations for Isaiah Briscoe when the Orlando Magic signed him in the offseason. He was the longest of long shots at all points of the season.

His first run of play seemed to show that. He seemed a bit overwhelmed with the speed of the game and he struggled to keep pace. He did not look like he belonged.

No harm, little foul.

But when the Magic opted to make a rotation change, their patience paid off. They made the move when Briscoe was ready for the role. Or at least more ready for the role.

He proved his worth in that stretch. The Magic needed someone who could quicken the pace and mix things up on the interior. They needed someone who was not going to be afraid to push the pace and use his fouls.

Briscoe did all of this. He was improving and getting more comfortable with his shot. But it was certainly not all the way there. He was not going to provide a ton offensively. He just needed to get the Magic into their offense, attack when he could and be a pest defensively. Orlando was not going to expand his role a whole lot more.

Perhaps the Magic were not going to make the playoffs if Briscoe continued as the backup point guard. He had severe limitations that might have come through as teams got more time to scout. And certainly would have become pronounced in the playoffs.

It all became moot when Briscoe tore his meniscus and was out for the rest of the season. That cut short all his improvements and all he could be for the Magic. It also opened the door for Michael Carter-Williams and he was clearly the better player.

It is unclear what this means for Briscoe moving forward. He may not have a clear place with the Magic next year and he will have to start over with a new team in the league.