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5 things we learned from the Orlando Magic’s FIBA World Cup run

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Franz Wagner and Germany won the FIBA World Cup. Now we wonder what Wagner will bring home to the Orlando Magic. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
Franz Wagner and Germany won the FIBA World Cup. Now we wonder what Wagner will bring home to the Orlando Magic. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /
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Joe Ingles, Australia
Joe Ingles is still working his way back from a knee injury two years ago. And finding consistency with Australia will be key to that recovery. (Photo by YUICHI YAMAZAKI/AFP via Getty Images) /

5 things we learned from Orlando Magic’s FIBA World Cup

Joe Ingles in Support

The Orlando Magic made only a few changes to their roster this year. The only newcomers on the main roster are the two rookies — Anthony Black and Jett Howard — and free agent signee Joe Ingles.

Most people looked at the price tag more than anything in bringing Ingles in (his second year is a team option so that sticker shock should wear off pretty quickly). But Ingles has the potential to give the Magic the floor spacing and shooting they need from a player who can shoot at some volume but is also an excellent ball mover and distributor.

His role with the team is as much about being the veteran on the team imparting wisdom as much as he is going to be out there to add to the team. Although his skills certainly fit the Magic’s needs.

Ingles’ role is likely going to be similar for the Magic as it was with Australia. And there is plenty of potential and ways that he can help the team’s lineups run smoother.

But Ingles struggled in the World Cup. There is no getting around it.

Ingles averaged 6.6 points per game and shot just 7 for 22 from beyond the arc. That is perhaps Ingles’ biggest value to the Magic offensively. His shooting potential is why the Magic are going to bring him in this year.

Ingles though is both due for a bounceback season and also due for an age regression soon.

He does not rely on his athleticism so being 35 and two years removed from a torn ACL. There is every reason why he should return to shooting to the upper-30s.  But he is also 35 and coming off a torn ACL. The drop-off that comes with age is coming.

He looked a bit older in this run with Australia. Ingles did not make a big impact on the game for Australia as they shockingly bowed out in the second round.

The Magic likely need Ingles for his veteran know-how and presence — a role Ingles has seemed eager to accept and take on as he did for Australia — but what he provides beyond that feels a bit more uncertain.

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