NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Orlando Magic are one of the NBA teams on the fence. They have the potential to be a contender, but an injury away from being a Lottery participant. This offseason, they must find a suitable PG to orchestrate the offense. Look no further than Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls.
While the Magic are still tied to Cole Anthony (2 years) and Jalen Suggs (5 years), these are the Magic’s only true options at the position. Corey Joseph is a free agent, and the Magic should look to bring him back. However, a more drastic move should have to be made at the position.
Giddey is a great option. However, will the Chicago Bulls be willing to let Giddey walk out the door, or will another team back up the Brinks truck for him? Giddey is an unrestricted free agent, which means he can talk to and sign with another team, but the Bulls have the right to match any offer. This may bode well for the Magic.
While in OKC, the potential was there, but Giddey never fully took advantage of the opportunity. Once traded to the Bulls, he turned a switch. Giddey is not the scorer some teams may be looking for, but that’s not what the Magic need. They have offensive players; what they need is a player like Giddey to get the ball in the hands of the scorers, play a little defense, and rebound. Giddey fits perfectly with this current roster.
Last season, Giddey averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists on a team that often looked as if they were playing pickup ball every night. Imagine what Giddey could do with direction and something to play for. The Magic are guided by a young core that features Paolo Banchero, Franz and Moritz Wagner, and Wendell Carter Jr.
If Giddey can post those same numbers with what he had to deal with in Chicago, he could be the missing piece to get the Magic as one of the top 3 teams in the East. It was neither Suggs nor Anthony who led the Magic in assists. If a PG can come in and take the pressure off their two main stars, that will benefit the direction of this young team.
The money may be a deal breaker, but it still can be worked out. There are still options for the Orlando Magic here. That’s where the unrestricted title comes into play. The Bulls can resign Josh Giddey, then do a sign and trade and take on the contract of Anthony or Suggs.
The Orlando Magic have had their fair share of PGs, and none have worked out. Injuries, inconsistency, and chemistry have all played a part. The Magic are right on the brink, but look at some of the teams still standing in the playoffs this year. PG play has been crucial to their success. They don’t have to be the elite scores, but they need to be a leader.
