Orlando Magic: 3 takeaways from 2018-19 preseason opener

1. Point guard play was strong

Much has been written about Orlando’s lack of depth at the point guard position this offseason. Hoops Habit even ranked Magic starting point guard D.J. Augustin, dead last in its point guard rankings before the Phoenix Suns traded away Brandon Knight. While the Magic don’t have a star to turn to at this position, Monday’s game provided a glimpse into some solid play from the three-headed backcourt the Magic will most likely roll out this year.

Augustin had an all-around solid game, posting 12 points and six assists on 4-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-4 from 3. While he did have three turnovers, two of which came on back-to-back possessions, he showed strong handles and set teammates up well for some easy buckets inside. He was being hounded by 6’4” Sixers guard Markelle Fultz up and down the court and held his own. Expect some more solid play from Augustin moving forward.

Jerian Grant posted respectable numbers in his 19 minutes of play, going 2-for-4 from the field for five points. He also added two rebounds and an assist. Grant had the ball out of his hands a lot with the second unit as Jonathon Simmons and Terrence Ross took control of the offense and ran a strong pick-and-roll game with Bamba. Grant didn’t attempt a 3 and did look hesitant to try. If he can improve his jump shot (career 31.4 percent from 3) this season, he could have a breakout season. It’s a big “if,” but he will have a lot of opportunity to do so splitting minutes with Augustin.

Minutes for Augustin and Grant might be in danger, however, if third-string guard Isaiah Briscoe keeps up his hot play. Briscoe only played eight minutes, all in the fourth quarter against the Sixers’ third unit, but boy, did he look impressive.

Briscoe put up 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting and hit his only attempt from deep. He posted a +8 plus/minus and nearly led a fourth quarter comeback. With Briscoe on the floor, the Magic outscored the Sixers 36-27 in the fourth. He looked very much in control of the third unit and plays with a huge chip on his shoulder.

After going undrafted in 2017 and playing in Latvia last season, Briscoe has something to prove every single time out, which he showed by bringing huge energy off the bench. If this impressive play continues, he could creep up the depth chart and overtake minutes that previously belonged to Augustin or Grant.