5. Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic have backed themselves into a corner with their recent roster moves. The defense should be elite under Frank Vogel, but the offense has a very clear weakness that’s hurting Orlando early: the absence of a penetrating guard.
Elfrid Payton is developing well at point guard and Evan Fournier is a lights-out shooter, but neither can consistently put the orange on the hardwood and attack.
Fournier leads the Magic with 5.1 points via drives per game on 45.1 percent shooting—respectable numbers. He’s using his size to drive, however, which results in his often pulling up for pull-up shots instead of taking it all the way to the rim.
Fournier has done a very respectable job and only seems to be getting better, but adding Ellis as the sixth man would provide an instant fix and ideal complement.
Ellis, who played for Frank Vogel in Indiana, can step in as the go-to slashing threat off the bench. He doesn’t need a screen to get by his man, but is crafty in the pick and roll, and could potentially balance the Magic’s offense.
Orlando needs a slasher who can shoot the 3-ball, though, which is why it’s fair to believe that it’s unlikely Ellis will end up with the Magic.