The Orlando Magic have a decision to make regarding who will be their backup point guard going forward into next year: D.J. Augustin or Shelvin Mack?
For the Orlando Magic, the surprise trade of point guard Elfrid Payton to the Phoenix Suns for a second round draft pick in 2018 opened up minutes on their roster.
It also left two backup point guards in Shelvin Mack and D.J. Augustin to tussle over who should get the bulk of those minutes to see out the season. It really isn’t about that though; this is more important because of the implications it should hopefully have for the team next season.
If we assume the Magic are going to draft a point guard this summer with their lottery pick from the exciting incoming crop, that leaves room for an experienced backup to mentor the new rookie.
The team has two, both of whom are on easily moveable deals, so the countdown to see who will stick with this team beyond this season begins.
It is also safe to assume that the organization will pick a point guard in the draft, as former general manager Rob Hennigan and his strange ways are gone from the team.
So who should it be coming off the bench and showing the incoming young player the ropes? Here are four areas worth exploring by the team to ensure they make the right choice at what is a sneakily important decision between Mack and Augustin.