Orlando Magic’s top lineups of 2021
Cole Anthony/Evan Fournier/James Ennis/Gary Clark/Nikola Vucevic
+4.9 net rating (119.1 off rtg./114.2 def rtg.), 6 games, 51 minutes
This is the first lineup we are reviewing that actually feels like a normal lineup that Steve Clifford would have used. The only thing that probably kept it from playing more was James Ennis’ relative unavailability last year (he appeared in only 41 games last year).
But this lineup has all the offensive potential the Orlando Magic could muster.
All five players are quality shooters — at least comparatively. The only thing they are lacking is on defense where arguably James Ennis is the only plus defender in the group.
Shooting is the biggest thing the Magic are still missing, however. It is the biggest weakness facing the team.
Like this lineup, the Magic will be trying to piece together their best shooters as much as they can. In those limited 51 minutes, this group posted a stellar 58.8-percent effective field goal percentage. There might be something to having at least some nominally good shooters and going as 5-out as the team can. Even perhaps putting someone like Aaron Gordon on the block and leaving the center in Nikola Vucevic out on the perimeter.
Jamahl Mosley’s offensive mantra of playing with space, pace and the pass would seemingly all be geared toward creating quality 3-point looks. And the Magic are going to have to find a way to get their best shooters on the floor at the same time — while also maintaining the length and defense they are after.
This lineup should at least be proof that a team can manufacture 3-point shooting and spacing no matter how unreliable their shooters can be. Teams can still manipulate space. It just might cost the team some defense in the end.
Orlando probably should not be in the business of trying to outscore opponents.
But going with a lineup that adds Gary Harris in that James Ennis role alongside shooters in Chuma Okeke and Mohamed Bamba would maintain the team’s ability to spread the floor with five shooters and keep up their potential on defense considering Bamba’s length and Harris’ reputation in the league.
Orlando can clearly create some shooting lineups — even considering adding in longer, more defensive-minded players like Jalen Suggs or Franz Wagner to the mix. The Magic may not have a track record or reputation for shooting, but they can create shooting lineups if needed.