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Blueprint For Rebuilding The Orlando Magic

By Simon Smith

Nov 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) against the Washington Wizards during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) against the Washington Wizards during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 3, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) drives past Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Magic defeated the Pelicans 103-94. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) drives past Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Magic defeated the Pelicans 103-94. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Step 3: Free Agency Frenzy

Jrue Holiday, New Orleans Pelicans

Having missed 107 games over his first three seasons in New Orleans, this season Holiday has demonstrated some of the best basketball of his career. For the season, Holiday is averaging 16.3 points, 7.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 32.5 minutes per game. His last 13 games have produced 21.8 points, 8.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game while shooting 55.6 percent from the field.

Despite being in his eighth season, Holiday is still just 26 and just coming into the prime of his career. A four-year, maximum contract would be the natural offer for the one-time All-Star who has responded magnificently this season following his wife’s recent battles with brain surgery.

James Johnson, Miami Heat

Johnson has had an impressive breakout season in Miami, demonstrating his versatility in coming off the bench all season. In the best shape of his life, Johnson has repaid the faith shown in him by head coach Erik Spoelstra. For the season, Johnson is posting 12.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 blocks in 26.6 minutes per game.

Johnson has had seven games of 20 or more points, with season-highs of 26 coming in recent consecutive games. Heat teammate Goran Dragic recently had high praise for Johnson:

"“I don’t [know] if there’s another guy in the league – maybe LeBron and him – who can play the position one to five. And JJ, he’s such a good player. He can handle the ball. He can get us into our offense.”"

This is a great summation of Johnson on both ends of the court. His combination of size, agility and basketball IQ allows him to cover a vast array of opponents, allowing for tremendous flexibility for the Heat coaching staff.

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