The Magic Insider

Magic aren't getting enough from this free agent addition

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

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While the Orlando Magic swung for the fences with guard Desmond Bane, they also brought in veteran guard Tyus Jones, an under-the-radar move that was expected to prove dividends for both sides.

On the surface, Jones was expected to be a pivotal piece in terms of organizing the team's dormant offense. Over his last four seasons, he's averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 assists (to just 0.9 turnovers) on 45.7/39.8/82.5 shooting splits. The point guard position is a dying art, but Jones was one of the last "true" point guards the league has, which is why the Magic signed him to a one-year, $7 million deal this summer.

However, albeit through 10 games, it's done anything but blown up in their face.

The Tyus Jones experiement is NOT working:

Tyus Jones
Oct 29, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley talks to guard Tyus Jones (2) in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Jones has essentially been unplayable through the first three weeks of the season.

He's totaled just 20 points, nine rebounds and 13 assists in 131 minutes, shooting 34.6 percent (9-26) from the floor and 2-of-15 (13.3 percent) from beyond the arc.

Correlation doesn't always equal causation, but the Magic have a minus-22.2 NET Rating when he's on the floor, versus a plus 8.5 NET when he's off, according to PBP Stats. It may be too small a sample size to take anything away, but Jones has been a zero whenever he's been on the court this season.

It's hard to gain a rhythm without consistent playing time. But Jones' point-of-attack defense is bad, his shooting/touch has been haywire and his decision-making has been inconsistent.

Orlando already has enough problems -- it can't keep trotting out a small guard who isn't efficient nor impactful on either end of the floor.

Why Magic should give Jase Richardson more opportunity:

Jase Richardson
Oct 25, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) waits for play to begin in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images | Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

Jase Richardson, who the Magic drafted No. 25 overall in last June's draft, has barely seen the floor. He's totaled just 28 minutes, scoring three points with one rebound and five assists.

But now is the perfect time for Richardson -- a good 3-point shooter, underrated playmaker and feisty point-of-attack defender -- to get reps.

We don't know what's going on behind the scenes -- Richardson will have to show head coach Jamahl Mosley why he deserves minutes -- but isn't this 10-game sample enough evidence? Richardson is only 19-years-old and will likely get picked on defensively.

Though he could also provide an amicable spark to a bench that has been underwhelming minus second-year forward Tristan da Silva. Magic need answers, and Richardson may be one of them, because Jones currently isn't.

More Orlando Magic Stories:

Jalen Suggs has most impactful game but it's not enough, and other Magic takeaways

Desmond Bane being pushed to be aggressive to escape slump

Why this Magic forward is making a name for himself

Same old story for Magic defense in blowout loss to Hawks

Magic's big man leads charge in noteworthy defensive stat


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Matt Hanifan
MATT HANIFAN

Matt Hanifan: Born and raised in Nevada, Matt has covered the Miami Heat, NBA and men’s college basketball for various platforms since 2019. More of his work can be found at Hot Hot Hoops, Vendetta Sports Media and Mountain West Connection. He studied journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he previously served as a sports staff writer for The Nevada Sagebrush. Twitter: @Mph_824_