Orlando Magic: Grading The Offseason

Feb 22, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9), forward Tobias Harris (12) and teammates high five against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 103-98. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Orlando Magic forward Kyle O’Quinn (2) in action against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Sign-And-Trading O’Quinn

This is the only move Orlando made this summer that I can’t fully get onboard with. Was Kyle O’Quinn a superstar in the making? No. But was he useful backup center who would’ve been a bit cheaper and more productive next season than the replacement Orlando brought in? Definitely.

Last season, O’Quinn averaged 5.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game. He shot 49.2 percent from the floor and attempted to expand his range to three-point territory by taking 43 threes (albeit with a 27.9 percent conversion rate). Per 36 minutes, O’Quinn averaged 13.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks over the course of his three seasons in Orlando. Why give up on him, even as a restricted free agent?

With Vucevic onboard, the Magic just weren’t that into Kyle O’Quinn. When they tried playing O’Quinn alongside Vucci Mane, Orlando’s defense got obliterated and the Magic wound up giving his minutes to Dewayne Dedmon, a second-year seven-footer.

Personally, I’d rather have O’Quinn, but at least the Magic got cash and the right to swap 2019 second round picks out of their sign-and-trade with the Knicks.

Grade: C-

Next: An Elementary Upgrade

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