Orlando Magic Daily
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Orlando Magic Offseason Needs: Orlando Magic should target veteran leadership

By Anthony Prodanovich

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 14: Paolo Banchero #5, Moritz Wagner #21, and Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic take part in the pre game huddle before playing the Toronto Raptors in their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on February 14, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 14: Paolo Banchero #5, Moritz Wagner #21, and Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic take part in the pre game huddle before playing the Toronto Raptors in their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on February 14, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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Blake Griffin, Boston Celtics
Jan 23, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics forward Blake Griffin (91) is guarded by Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) in the third quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /

Veteran players the Orlando Magic should target

Blake Griffin, Boston Celtics

From 2011-19, Blake Griffin was a Rookie of the Year, six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, third place in MVP votes for 2014, and the best power forward by win shares in the entire league.

Blake, known for monster athletic slams both in the half-court and transition, is also only behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant in that span as a multiple-time All-Star as a forward and average more than 4.0 assists per game. He consistently grew as he added a midrange jumper and, near the end before the injuries limited his playing ability, a resourceful three-point shot he hit at league average percentage.

If Griffin is willing to play a mentor role off the Magic bench rather than ring chase for the rest of his Hall Of Fame career, Orlando should seriously look into adding him. Both Magic cornerstone players play his position and Blake would be able to tutor what it would take to go from promising young players to All-Star/All-NBA contention.

For the rest of the team, Griffin has started 64 out of his 65 Playoff games, with over 2,100 minutes in the chase for the Championship, the entire roster can only learn from Griffin’s experiences in adversity.

Griffin is not the same player he once was. Injuries have completely slowed his play down. Signing him is more for his locker room presence than his ability at this point. This past season, he appeared in only 41 games, averaging 4.1 points per game for the Boston Celtics.

It would appear that Griffin’s career is quickly coming to a close. And he would only have wisdom to impart while younger players play.