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5 under-the-radar free agents the Orlando Magic should pursue

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 14: Jeremy Lamb #3 of the Charlotte Hornets goes to the basket against the Orlando Magic on February 14, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 14: Jeremy Lamb #3 of the Charlotte Hornets goes to the basket against the Orlando Magic on February 14, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Delon Wright, Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 22: Delon Wright #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives past D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Amway Center on March 22, 2019 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. (Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images) /

Delon Wright, Memphis Grizzlies

Delon Wright had a pretty nondescript career for the Toronto Raptors. The 6-foot-5 point guard had the promise of size but did not get much opportunity with Toronto.

The Raptors trade to acquire Marc Gasol gave Delon Wright a new opportunity though. The Memphis Grizzlies were a rebuilding team and could afford to give a young player the time to experiment and try things out.

He took advantage of it fully. Wright averaged 12.2 points and 5.3 assists per game in 26 games after the trade. The increase in minutes helped him show what he could do and he found his way with the Grizzlies. It was the exact opportunity he needed.

The Magic experienced it first hand. Wright scored 12 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out eight assists in the Grizzlies’ overtime loss in Orlando.

That brief run made it feel like Wright is due for a bigger payday and due for a bigger role. There was at least proof of concept for what Wright can do.

With the Magic’s point guard position is in some flux, they could definitely use some added depth.

D.J. Augustin was a reliable and steady starter who has one year left on his contract. The Magic like him and clearly feel comfortable with him running the show. But it is hard to envision a smaller point guard like D.J. Augustin being the team’s future.

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Markelle Fultz‘s future is still a huge mystery. There is a ton of excitement for him and what he can be, but it is still not clear how much he will contribute next year.

And Michael Carter-Williams is a free agent. His poor shooting made it difficult to play him throughout the playoffs. But his pace and his size were vital for the team’s emergence in the regular season.

The Magic probably are looking for a point guard that fits the mold of Michael Carter-Williams. Someone who has good positional size and can run the team off the bench. If it is someone who can grow into the eventual backup — or starter — for Markelle Fultz, that would be even better.

That is why Wright would make a ton of sense here. The Grizzlies have Ja Morant to groom as the starter and so they may have a limit to what they would match ultimately.

It probably also helps that Jeff Weltman was part of the management group that drafted him in Toronto. That is at least a start.