Magic Signs Joe Ingles; What's His Role?
The Orlando Magic made a signing in free agency to bring in veteran NBA player Joe Ingles, but how does he fit alongside the young core?
First off, Ingles is coming off his lowing scoring average since the 2016-17 season where he was with the Utah Jazz. Though Ingles saw a minutes and role decrease with the Milwaukee Bucks, he still shot 40 percent from beyond the arc and scored 6.9 points per game.
For the Magic, Ingles provides much needed spacing. He will allow Paolo Banchero and Anthony Black unlimited room to grow as he provides the spacing he needs while being able to play off both of those guys.
Alongside his spacing, Ingles is going to be a good connector to make sure the entire offense is involved. Other young guys will be able to feel more involved and the offense will have a good, natural flow when Ingles is on the court, which will allow the Magic to take the next step as a team.
Each young team looking to take the next step in competing should look to have a calming veteran on their team, too. Sure, the on-court fit is nice as Ingles can pass and shoot well, but he also provides a calming presence each team needs.
If the Magic find themselves in a play-in position come season's end, they would regret and hurt from not having that veteran to help prepare on the court and take the right precautions to be mentally prepared for the challenge.
The 35-year-old wing has appeared in the playoffs in six of his nine seasons in his career. His Utah Jazz team's were never able to get over the hump, his most recent playoff appearance was with the Bucks this past season, losing to the eighth-seeded Miami Heat in the first round. Nevertheless, he's got the playoff experience needed if he and the Magic make it to that point.
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