3 Orlando Magic players Jamahl Mosley can offer a second chance

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Apr 25, 2021; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris (14) shoots the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /

Orlando Magic players in need of a second chance

Gary Harris

A lot of the focus on the Orlando Magic’s development has focused on the young players. It is true, they are the future of this team and probably the most important players to pay attention to.

But the team is going to be more than that. And as young players develop, they need veterans to lead the way. Orlando is short on those and may be relying on players returning to the fold.

While Jamahl Mosley may have less teaching to do with these players, that does not mean his coaching is not done. he still needs to give these players their chance.

No one probably needs to restart and get himself right more than Gary Harris.

Harris arrived in Orlando at the trade deadline after several years facing various leg and knee injuries. He just needed the opportunity to play.

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It was definitely a slog to get him back comfortable on the court again. Harris averaged 10.2 points per game on a 42.9-percent effective field goal percentage. Harris simply went out there to get his reps in and get back on the court. He was not particularly great.

The hope when the Magic acquired him was to give him a low-pressure environment to get himself right and recover from those injuries that have kept him from playing more than 60 games his last three seasons. In fact, Harris has eclipsed 60 games just twice in his career.

Harris getting healthy so he can play at his best is the No. 1 priority. Second, though, is trying to find a way to get back to where he was in 2018 when he averaged 17.5 points per game on a 57.0-percent effective field goal percentage.

He may not get to that level again. The Magic will certainly have plenty of shots for him to take with the roster they have. And his experience and leadership will be something plenty of players will defer to.

Mosley talked in his introductory press conference about putting guys in good positions offensively. That will be his main goal. Harris is someone who can fit in a number of ways when he is healthy. But Mosley will have to give him his best opportunity to contribute and grow.

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It is a big year for Harris too. His contract expires at the end of the season. There would be a lot of advantages for both the player and the team to see him recover.