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2023 Orlando Magic Offseason Needs: Lockdown a Deadeye to build a Culture

By Anthony Prodanovich

Apr 16, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) shoots as Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) defends during the first half during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) shoots as Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) defends during the first half during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 23: Caleb Houstan #2 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball as Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks fouls during the second quarter at Amway Center on March 23, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 23: Caleb Houstan #2 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball as Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks fouls during the second quarter at Amway Center on March 23, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

2023 Orlando Magic Offseason Needs: Perimeter Sharpshooters

Back to the Backcourt

Since 2020, the Orlando Magic have used four draft picks for perimeter talent. One has hit in Franz Wagner. The other three, depending on the fan or front office, are still works in progress to determine their role on the Magic.

Coming out of their drafts, Caleb Houstan was projected to be a low-ceiling 3-and-D player, compared to Darius Miller and R.J. Hunter whose careers lasted on average five seasons.

Houstan only played 51 games with Orlando last year. In 16 minutes a game he averaged 3.8 points on 33.8 percent shooting from three.

Houstan was the embodiment of the saying “bright eyed and bushy-tailed.” If you had the opportunity to key in on Houstan during games you noticed a college-like attempt, moving, cutting, off-ball screens and filling wing positions. Not a self creator, a 6-foot-8 frame with a high release point could make him plausible as a future starter if the cards play right for his career.

He was the youngest player in his draft class. So nobody is ready to give up on him. But he will have toe arn his opportunity.

Cole Anthony was compared to small guard slingers Collin Sexton or Mo Williams. Fans have an up-and-down relationship with Anthony. He shot a league average 36 percent from three this year. Since Dec. 7, Anthony shot 39.7 percent from three averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game. The Magic essentially broke even with him on the floor.

The Magic like playing him off the bench as the lead guard for the second unit. Near the end of the season talks became of how Anthony should focus on being the best version of himself and fill the sixth man role, competing for the NBA award.

Jalen Suggs may sadly have the biggest fall off from college prediction to NBA reality. Th hope is he can reclaim that potential with a fully healthy season. Suggs centered himself better when he got an extended run of play.

Suggs had two good stretches from deep although he averaged 32.7 percent for the season. In February he shot 38.9 percent and in April 41.2 percent.

What you can expect from the fifth overall pick reaching the third year of his deal is unknown. At 6-foot-4 with athleticism, you would like to see him be able to shoot better and foul less for how well tries on defense.

It may be sooner rather than later that we see the Magic make the decision to get off of Suggs to recoup any positive asset. Although they would rather wish he pans out.

Next. 5 prospects to know for the Magic's 11th pick. dark

This summer will go a long way to determining what direction the team will go. And what they think of the players on their roster.