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Dream Target: LaMelo Ball
Now is no longer the best time for the Orlando Magic to make a play for Ball, who’s draining deep threes, finishing better than ever around the basket and right back on track to become one of the top offensive guards in the game. If the Magic had made a big offer when Ball was on the sidelines with persistent ankle injuries at some point during the last two seasons, they might have had a better shot at him.
Still, Ball remains a dream target because he provides what Orlando lacks: a legitimate playmaker in the backcourt who can make others better and terrify defenses as a three-point shooter.
Realistic Target: Anfernee Simons
Anfernee Simons was the obvious, ideal target for the Magic a year ago…and six months ago…and over the summer…and, still, right now.
A consistently accurate high-volume three-point shooter over the last half-decade, Simons can space the floor off the ball and do just enough as a setup man to make sense next to fellow hybrid guard Jalen Suggs.
Suggs, of course, is a defensive ace. He’d cover for Simons, a good athlete (remember that dunk contest?) who’s never really turned his natural skills into impactful play on D.
With Scoot Henderson looking much improved in his second-season bench role so far, the Blazers should be comfortable moving on from Simons, collecting assets and turning things over to the guy they spent the No. 3 pick on in the 2023 draft.
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