NBA: Biggest X-factor for all 30 teams in the 2019-20 season

Orlando Magic: D.J. Augustin

After a seven-year absence, the Orlando Magic returned to the postseason in 2019 on the backbone of their frontcourt and a strong defensive effort. Among the weaknesses they have is a lack of talent at the point guard position, a spot manned primarily by D.J Augustin.

Having played in the NBA for 11 years now, Augustin is no scrub. He was serviceable in 28.0 minutes by shooting 42.1 percent from beyond the arc to go along with 11.7 points and 5.3 assists per game.

Those numbers pale in comparison to his positional contemporaries around the league, capping just how far Orlando can go.

The Magic are one of the few teams without a high-end point guard to run the show, and it’s part of the reason they ranked just 24th in points per game and 18th in field goal percentage last season.

They need a shot creator along the perimeter to balance out the tremendous production they get from their big men.

It’s difficult to imagine Augustin improving much at this stage of his career, but the Magic don’t have other options to turn to. Michael Carter-Williams is an offensive liability while the mystery of Markelle Fultz continues to permeate around the league.

Asking a 32-year-old to up his game is asking a lot for a guy who has averaged over 30 minutes a game just once in his career. Perhaps it will require a systematic change at the offensive end from Steve Clifford to empower his floor general.

Whatever it takes, Orlando needs something to avoid stagnation moving forward.