3 options to boost Orlando Magic offense going forward
By Luke Duffy
3. Use Josh Magette more
Turning to a 30-year-old who is currently on a two-way contract doesn’t seem like a great way to kickstart your offense, but Josh Magette continues to try and prove that he is worthy of a chance to be included at the end of the Orlando Magic’s bench. Given the injury woes to Nikola Vucevic and Michael Carter-Williams, this doesn’t seem like a bad call.
Magette actually appeared against the Phoenix Suns, playing three empty minutes and posting a single point. It was the third time this season he has appeared for the Magic and may be an indication that coach Clifford may call his number in future.
The nature of his deal means he can only spend 45 days with the parent Magic this season.
He had 28 points for the Lakeland Magic — Orlando’s G League affiliate — in a recent win over the Capital City Go-Go in what was one of the best displays of the young G League season. Offensively he looked calm and assured on the ball, capable of getting his shot off against different opponents and creating space for himself. He is averaging 20 points per game for the Lakeland Magic as well.
There is no reason why he couldn’t replicate some of this in a small role with Orlando. Although playing primarily as a point guard, and even with Carter-Williams again out with injury (this time a nose contusion), it might be worth playing Magette with the second unit in an off the ball role.
Next to somebody like D.J. Augustin, he has the ability to move without the ball and create his own shot as well, like a much less consistent Terrence Ross. It would be nice to see what he could do playing alongside Markelle Fultz as well, but playing significant minutes with the starters is something which is just not going to happen.
There’s no doubt that the Magic need to diversify and look for new ways to score consistently, and Magette could certainly be the answer in small bursts. He needs to actually get the run though and if he’s not able to get it while being one of the better G League players, then it is unclear if he ever will. Actually getting on the court against the Suns was an encouraging sign though.