Orlando Magic: Grading their free agency moves so far
By Luke Duffy
Dwayne Bacon
The Magic’s one notable free agency signing is, not exactly a splashy one. But there is a method to bringing in Dwayne Bacon, formerly of the Charlotte Hornets. One that doesn’t even take into account that franchise spending Nicolas Batum money on a guy who could yet be the next Nicolas Batum.
Bacon has played under coach Clifford before, so he will know what is required of him on the defensive end. His is also a shooting guard who will be comfortable playing off the ball. This is important because Fultz is somebody who will have it in his hands a lot as he looks to find teammates.
Even if Bacon ends up playing on a second unit alongside Anthony, he will still be better served spotting up. That’s not to say that’s all he can do, but initially it looks to be the best fit for him. Bacon was not good from deep last season, he shot 28.4 percent, but the season before that it was a scorching 43.7 percent.
The good news? Bacon took more 3-pointers per game (two) when his percentage was well above average than he did last season (1.7) when he struggled. So there is form to suggest that he can come in somewhere in the middle of both of those numbers to help the Magic. It will also be interesting to see what that means for Terrence Ross.
He is among the best trade candidates the Magic have, and they could get something real back for him from a contender. If this happens, and the hope is that it doesn’t because he is a fan favorite, then Bacon would be a cheap stopgap off the bench for them. Even if that doesn’t happen, the backcourt needed filling out and Orlando isn’t a free agent destination right now. Coach Clifford getting somebody he has worked with before makes sense, even if it isn’t flashy.