Orlando Magic: 2018-19 player grade for D.J. Augustin

Strengths

The Orlando Magic ranked a lowly 22nd in offensive rating during the regular season (108.2), but if not for D.J. Augustin that number would have been even worse. The fantastic 42.1 percent he shot from deep close to a career high and the best mark on the roster of guys who qualified.

Stretching the floor was not something that looked possible on a nightly basis with Augustin running the point, yet that was exactly what happened. He won’t get the credit he deserves for his moves in the paint either, his ability to get defenders off their feet to get around and under them second to none.

He also took 2.6 free throws per game, proof that even around the basket he was capable of helping the Magic. Perhaps it is wrong to look at his defensive displays as a strength, but the fact that he was not a massive negative on that end is a big plus in itself.

Yes you could argue that guys like Isaac and Gordon, who he spent a lot of time on the court with, masked some of his deficiencies. But he also played alongside Vucevic, himself an average defender at best, a lot of the time.

The two-man game he ran with Vucevic caused opponents issues too, both capable of stepping outside to knock down a 3 and with great passing ability between the two of them.

In a weird way they were interchangeable when running plays with each other. Returning to Augustin’s defending and the Magic had a ranking of 107.6 on the season (eighthin the league). That they ranked slightly better when Augustin was on the court (107.2) again points to who he played with, but he was able to help out too.

Given that he’s under 6 feet tall, this is an accomplishment in itself. Beyond that, just being capable of slowing the game down when needed, or else pushing the pace. Whatever it took to help a young team growing before our eyes in the game, all while hitting some timely 3-pointers as well.