Orlando Magic: 5 Point Guards The Magic Should Try To Acquire

The Orlando Magic are going through a complete rebuild mode. After trading away franchise superstar Dwight Howard, the Magic have started to collect young assets on the way to turning around the team. Players like Maurice Harkless, Nikola Vucevic and Tobias Harris provide Orlando fans with a sliver of hope moving forward. One area that definitely needs improving is that of point guard. Let’s have a look at five options the Magic should explore when trying to fill the vacancy.

If they decide to go through the draft …

Trey Burke handles the ball against Oakland. Photo Credit: Adam Glanzman, Flickr.com

1. Trey Burke

The best point guard in college basketball last season, Trey Burke would come in and immediately contribute at the NBA level. Burke averaged 18.6 points per game and 6.7 assists for Michigan and he is certainly one of the most polished players in this year’s draft. With a silky smooth jump shot that can range well beyond the 3-point line, Burke could provide Orlando with a similar type of impact that Damian Lillard has had for the Portland Trail Blazers. The only issue is his lack of height–at 6’0”, he may find problems trying to stay in front of quicker, stronger point guards, but as Ty Lawson has proven, it isn’t impossible.

2. Michael Carter-Williams

If Trey Burke’s height is too much of a worry, then Michael Carter-Williams should be the man the Magic go for out of this year’s draft class. Standing 6’6”, Carter-Williams would be among the league’s tallest point guards in a league that is ”going small.” His length and versatility could be vital. However, he is not as polished as Burke. Carter-Williams’ jump shot is very streaky–he shot 39 percent from the field; not great for a player that will look to get to the rim and also slash to the basket when not controlling the ball. However, he is a project, like the Orlando Magic. His upside could be greater than Burke’s.

If they choose to find a point guard via free agency …

Jarrett Jack could be a short-term option for the Magic. (NBA.com photo)

3. Jarrett Jack

Jarrett Jack has been one of the most surprising players during the 2012-13 season–providing the Golden State Warriors with an extra ball-handler and electric scorer. Jack often controls the offense while Stephen Curry makes off-ball runs and comes off screens. After a good season–12.9 points per game and 5.9 assists–Jack will be looking for a decent payday and he could find himself in Orlando in July.

Jeff Teague would steady the ship at point guard. Photo Credit: Mark Runyan, Basketball Schedule

4. Jeff Teague

Jeff Teague would be an excellent pickup for the Orlando Magic and would mesh very well with the pieces that have already been acquired by the front office–Harkless, et al. I just don’t think they would be able to pull this off. Teague has had a taste of playoff experience in Atlanta and I don’t think he’d be ready for a rebuilding project. It could be worth pursuing him though, especially if the Magic are willing to perhaps overpay.

And if they could pull off a trade…

Could Eric Bledsoe find himself in Orlando next season? Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com

5. Eric Bledsoe

Should Chris Paul sign a contract in Los Angeles, the Orlando Magic should join the queue in trying to reach an agreement with the Clippers for their young point guard Eric Bledsoe. Perhaps a deal involving Andrew Nicholson and/or Glen Davis and other pieces–or a multi-team deal that could see them land E-Bled. Bledsoe would fit the mould the Magic are pursuing: uber-atheltic, young players with a great mentality. If they could pull something like this off, they could use their high draft pick on a dynamic 2-guard like Ben McLemore.