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Orlando Magic: 3 players looking to see their roles increase

By Luke Duffy

SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 4: Jerian Grant #22 and Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic talk during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 4, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 4: Jerian Grant #22 and Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic talk during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 4, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images)
(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images) /

2. Isaiah Briscoe

If there is one player on the Magic’s roster right now that should feel aggrieved at not getting more playing time, it is point guard Isaiah Briscoe. He has appeared in only four games so far this season, averaging 7.3 minutes per contest.

Whereas you can see the logic in Bamba not receiving more playing tome because Orlando is doing well at the center position as it is, the same is not true in Briscoe’s case. Right now he is third choice behind D.J. Augustin and Jerian Grant.

This is frustrating for the player because Grant has done little, other than play hard when on the court, to inspire confidence that he should be the backup point guard going forward. He’s just a non-factor when he’s playing.

So much so that some of the 20.2 minutes he is averaging should be given to Briscoe to see how he does with more playing time (you could even argue Bamba should take a couple of those minutes as the Magic try out new five-man groups).

The sample sizes are small, but Orlando has a better offensive rating when Briscoe is on the court (98.4), then when Grant is present (92.0). Defensively it is the same story (98.4 with Briscoe, 106.3 with Grant).

At 26, Grant is also four years older than Briscoe and it is hard to see him making the necessary jump at this stage of his career to be the full-time backup for the Magic. It is a position that is available, and one which Briscoe should be given more of a shot at obtaining.

That much is clear already this season.

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