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5 options for the Orlando Magic to bolster their forward depth

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Ryan Anderson was a sharpshooter for the Orlando Magic who could get brought back as the shooter the team needs. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Ryan Anderson was a sharpshooter for the Orlando Magic who could get brought back as the shooter the team needs. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Tyler Lydon, Denver Nuggets
Tyler Lydon has struggled to find his place in the NBA. (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Reclamation Rout: Tyler Lydon

Orlando Magic fans certainly remember Michael Carter-Williams won the Rookie of the Year Award over Victor Oladipo. But otherwise, Carter-Williams would go down as one of the most nondescript winners of the award in league history.

The Magic’s signing of Carter-Williams was as much a reclamation project as anything else. He was close to washing out of the league until the Magic seemingly gave him a lifeline. Injuries were a bit part of that slowdown.

There are a lot of young players like Carter-Williams who just never quite found their fit in the league. Players can bounce around looking for their place.

There are tons of players seeking that chance throughout the G-League and even deep on NBA rosters.

There are few other high-potential young players looking for their second chances. They are playing well in the G-League and seemingly ready for that chance to make it.

Tyler Lydon is the one I have my eye on.

The 6-foot-10 forward rarely got an opportunity in two years with the Denver Nuggets, playing 96 total minutes. This is a guy with good length and athleticism who needed to improve his jumper and defensive consistency. Coming off the bench and with good defenders around him could cover up some of his shortcomings.

Lydon has played well for the Capital City Go-Go so far this year. He is averaging 13.3 points per game and shooting 34.7 percent from beyond the arc. Those are encouraging signs. His athleticism has helped him on the glass too where he averages 9.6 rebounds per game.

The thing that should be pretty clear is it is hard to find quality stretch-4s on the free-agent market at this point of the year. Whoever the Magic might turn to will have some flaw. But at this point, the team just needs some help and someone to help fill those minutes with some versatility.

Next. Orlando Magic still searching to refine rotations. dark

Injuries have put the Magic in a difficult position. With 10-day contracts available now, Orlando has to be looking for ways to support this roster and keep it competitive.