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Orlando Magic: 3 goals for Terrence Ross in 2018-19

By Luke Duffy

NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 30: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 30: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images)
(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images) /

3. Increase his usage rate

As a result of injury, Ross posted a usage rate of 17.3 last season, the lowest mark of his career. He ranked below players like Rodney Purvis (18.7) and Mario Hezonja (19.9) and by season’s end ranked 11th overall for Orlando.

Simply asking Ross to see the ball more doesn’t quite work either and with good reason. He is probably the best player on this team moving without the ball, a crucial role for the Magic as they look to space the floor for their young players.

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If you put the ball in the hands of Ross more, it would make him less of a spot up shooter and more of a creator, which is not utilizing him in the best way. However, maybe there is actually something to having Ross play as a lead guard more next season.

The Magic have one of the weakest guard rotations in the league, featuring D.J. Augustin, Isaiah Briscoe and Jerian Grant. At times Orlando will want to play Gordon, Isaac and Bamba together and a less traditional point guard who can shoot from deep may help that lineup offensively.

This is where Ross can come in off the bench and possibly spend a small bit of time as the lead guard, next to somebody like Fournier. It is an intriguing idea which is worth considering, and one which again highlights how versatile Ross can be for the Magic.

If that idea doesn’t take off however, getting Ross back to around his career average (18.6) usage rate should be the minimum expected here.

Combine this with getting back to the 5.6 3-point attempts he was taking when he initially came to Orlando from the Toronto Raptors (and not the 3.9 of last season, the lowest output since his rookie season), and Ross could have a starring role offensively with the second unit.

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