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2023 Orlando Magic Offseason Needs: Rim Protection and Low Post Enforcers

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 19, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Drew Eubanks (24) scores over LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook (0) in the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Drew Eubanks (24) scores over LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook (0) in the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mason Plumlee, LA Clippers
Mar 8, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Mason Plumlee (44) dunks for the basket against Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) guard Gary Trent Jr. (33) and forward O.G. Anunoby (3) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

2023 Orlando Magic Offseason Needs: Rim Protection

Mason Plumlee, LA Clippers

The options in free agency at the center position are also equally slim. This is not a good summer to need center help. And while I view this as a critical need for the Orlando Magic to try to make the postseason next year, this could be something the Magic kick down the road another year.

There are some solid veterans to look at. But nothing that is going to feel earth-shattering or make anybody believe just on their name alone.

Looking at Mason Plumlee, for instance, as a potential option feels like old hat.

He has been kicked around the league a few times and is solid as a screener and rim runner. He is not much of a rim protector — opponents shot 64.1 percent at the rim against him according to Second Spectrum.

Still, he is coming off a solid season for the Charlotte Hornets and LA Clippers. He averaged 10.8 points per game and 8.9 rebounds per game. He averaged fewer than 1.0 blocks per game though. Plumlee is not much of a shot-blocker.

What he is instead is a player who knows his role. He sets screens. Runs to the rim. And rebounds. He is a veteran any team can trust as a starter.

And yes, he is a big body who can hold his own in the paint and not take guff from anybody. That could be valuable for the Magic.

Plumlee struggled when he switched over the Clippers in mid-season. They acquired him thinking he could spell Ivica Zubac some. And Plulmee did not falter so much as he did not impress. The era of his effectiveness is starting to come to a close.

But the list of players is this thin that Plumlee is a real option for the Magic.