Orlando Magic: Grading their free agency moves so far
By Luke Duffy
Gary Clark
Gary Clark was picked up by the Magic last season after some time spent with the Houston Rockets, and he found a home and a role for himself in Orlando. Heading into this offseason it was unclear if he would be brought back, but two years at just over $4 million is more than fair for the organization, and represents value and a potential trade candidate down the line.
At 25, Clark was late arriving to the league, and plays with that steady and veteran mindset that working extremely hard to maximize and opportunity like this brings. There’s also something about seeing him wear number 12 that Dwight Howard used to don, that just feels right. Clark being a completely different player to Howard.
He doesn’t figure to get a ton of minutes but will be a nice guy to have when Gordon inevitably goes down with an injury that costs him a handful of games. Jonathan Isaac is also lost for the year, while it remains to be seen how Al-Farouq Aminu will settle back into the rotation now that he is healthy again. He was finding his stride before a meniscus tear last season.
Clark shot 35 percent from deep for the Magic last year, so his shooting will be a welcome addition when on the court. With Augustin now gone, as well as another guy we have yet to get to, spreading the floor on a roster that isn’t exactly overflowing with shooters will put even more of a premium on what Clark brings.
Defensively he’s the kind of guy head coach Steve Clifford likes. Gritty, with no problem getting in the face of opponents. He won’t see a lot of the ball, and the averages of 3.6 points in under 15 minutes of action aren’t likely to change a lot either. Clark isn’t a breakout candidate, even on this roster, but he has been signed for a clear role which he will carry out dutifully.