The Orlando Magic were battling for a playoff spot before the 2019-20 season was put to a halt. While they are far from being guaranteed a postseason berth, they have undoubtedly done well and have surprised a lot of people with their performance.
Before the campaign was suspended due to COVID-19, Orlando had a record of 30-35 and was sitting 5.5 games ahead of the Washington Wizards for the eighth seed in the East.
The Magic's core group moving forward appears to be Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, Markelle Fultz, Terrence Ross, and Mo Bamba. However, the team might need to maintain their point guard depth as insurance for Fultz.
Markelle, who appeared in 64 games in his first season with the team, was averaging 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. He was finally able to show people he can make an impact in the NBA after his bizarre first two years with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Nonetheless, since the Magic don't really know if they can count on Fultz to play all 82 games, the franchise would be wise to re-sign veteran guard D.J. Augustin, who becomes an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
Augustin dealt with a left knee bone irritation ailment and missed quite a few games in 2019-20. However, when he played, D.J. was the calming force on offense the Magic needed. He averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 assists for the team in 49 games while shooting 39.3 percent from the field, 34.5 percent from beyond the arc, and 88.5 percent from the free-throw line.
The Magic made 710 triples before the season was suspended. Their output probably would have been higher if Augustin didn't miss a handful of games. The 32-year-old guard is a career 37.9 percent shooter from beyond the arc. While Vucevic, Gordon, and Isaac are doing their work in the post, Augustin can roam around the arc and spot up for 3s.
Having Augustin in a dual-threat role where he can start or come off the bench seems optimal for the Magic. Orlando gets to keep its veteran to run the second unit and score when needed, while also having a great mentor and security blanket for Fultz.
Since making his NBA debut in 2008 with the Charlotte Bobcats, D.J. Augustin has recorded career averages of 9.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 856 regular-season games. He has played in 33 postseason matches and always had a low turnover rate. That's an important stat for the Magic to take into consideration since they need a high IQ guard to control the pace of the game and set up the offense efficiently.
If Orlando wants Augustin, they’ll likely have to offer a deal that pays him $9 or $10 million a year. Other free-agent guards such as Goran Dragic and Reggie Jackson are most likely looking for starting roles and the Magic already have Fultz.
Augustin has a rapport with the Magic, so it makes sense for both sides to get a deal done early in free agency.
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