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3 players going home from Playoffs the Orlando Magic should target

By Luke Duffy

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 07: Yuta Watanabe #18 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during player introductions before the game against the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center on April 07, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 07: Yuta Watanabe #18 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during player introductions before the game against the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center on April 07, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 23: Ricky Rubio of the Cleveland Cavaliers calls a play. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 23: Ricky Rubio of the Cleveland Cavaliers calls a play. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

3 eliminated players the Orlando Magic should eyeing

2. Ricky Rubio, Cleveland Cavaliers

Adding point guard Ricky Rubio is a move that makes a lot of sense for the Orlando Magic. During the Cleveland Cavaliers’ series loss to the New York Knicks, he only played a measly 17 minutes.

This means Rubio is surely available at a low price in a trade. Really it is sad that a player of his talent has only ever appeared in three playoff series because of injury and being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Still, Rubio would be the perfect backup during the regular season to Markelle Fultz, and then could be left out of the rotation completely should they make it to the playoffs. He would give the team a veteran point guard to help grow their young players too. By all accounts, he is a great teammate.

You might argue Cole Anthony is the Magic’s backup currently, and that is correct. But Anthony can also fill a sixth-man role, while Rubio would be the calm head directing traffic and making passes and plays for others.

His experience would also be beneficial to have around Fultz, another player who has had his fair share of injuries and who, like Rubio, does not rely solely on athleticism.

Making only $6 million for the next two seasons, Rubio would cost little to get, and would not negatively impact the Magic’s healthy cap sheet either.

As the roster moves into the next phase and tries to get to the playoffs and win a series, having veteran heads in key positions will be important. Rubio cheaply ticks those boxes.