Orlando Magic: Examining The Small Forwards For 2013-14
This is the third installment of a position-by-position breakdown of the Orlando Magic. Here, we focus on the team’s small forwards.
Magic general manager Rob Hennigan sure does have a way of acquiring young talent. Harris arguably became the team’s best player after being traded to Orlando before the trade deadline last season. Add him to the list of hidden gems that Hennigan has added to the franchise via trades. This was a player who sat on Milwaukee’s bench and he came to the Magic and finished as their top scorer (17.3 PPG) and shot blocker (1.4 BPG). Harris has an all-around skill set for a forward and with his versatility; it is expected that head coach Jacque Vaughn will create more offensive opportunities for him this season. After bulking up in the offseason and now reportedly close to 240 pounds, Harris is more equipped to guard bigger forwards who gave him trouble on the defensive end last season. When Glen Davis returns from injury, most of Harris’ playing time will be at small forward, a move that will allow Maurice Harkless to come off the bench and play shooting guard as well.
Maurice Harkless
The 20-year-old grew an inch over the summer and added 15 pounds of muscle, according to John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com. As with any rookie, there is an adjustment that has to be made when it comes to the physicality of the pro game. It took Harkless a few months to make that adjustment, but for the two months after the All-Star break, he averaged 13.4 points per game and his play was much more consistent. He was aggressive, he attacked the rim and he flashed his potential as a defender with his dynamic length and leaping ability. The added strength will help him hold his ground more on the block when defenders try to post him up. Many within the Magic organization feel this could be a breakout season for Harkless. If he improves as much as everyone expects him to, he could be one of the leading candidates for Most Improved Player this season.
The veteran is still listed on the roster going into training camp but he has played his last game in a Magic uniform, says Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel. Turkoglu and the Magic have a mutual agreement in place that will keep him from practicing with the team until his buyout is finalized. There are reports that he may return home to play for the Turkish national team, but it is safe to say that the 6’10” forward’s NBA career is over.