Terrence Ross' Best Landing Spots If Magic Deal Veteran by 2023 NBA Trade Deadline
Nov 26, 2022
Orlando Magic's Terrence Ross plays during an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Orlando Magic shooting guard Terrence Ross could emerge as a popular target ahead of the 2023 NBA trade deadline in February.
Ross expressed interest in a trade after last season, saying the team's front office was "well aware" of his desire to join a team in better position to contend.
"We're definitely in different spots," Ross told reporters in April. "I feel like I'm a part of that old regime, and they're going in a different direction. I don't know what they've got in store for me. It's hard to say. They don't really let me know too much about what they're doing. I'm kind of here just along for the ride."
An offseason trade never arrived, but he'll probably land back on the trade block over the next few months with Orlando fading out of contention.
Ross has proved himself a mostly effective
role player across 11-plus NBA seasons. His career started as a
first-round pick of the Toronto Raptors in 2012, and the University of Washington product was traded
to the Magic in 2017, where he's spent the past five years.
The 31-year-old is a capable scorer, averaging 11.2 points and 1.8 threes across 687 games, but his impact in other areas is limited. He's averaged
2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in his career.
One concern that emerged in recent seasons is his defense. He rated a minus-3.4 in FiveThirtyEight's
defensive Raptor last season, which was far below his mark in previous years and
basically washed out any effectiveness he's enjoyed at the offensive
end. It's a troublesome trend that's continued in the early stages this season (minus-0.9).
Ross never performed that poor
defensively in prior years, so it's possible the issues are related to
Orlando's teamwide struggles (5-14 record) and he'll bounce back to more average
performance levels following a trade.
What the Portland, Oregon, native definitely
brings is versatility. The 6'7", 206-pound forward is able to play multiple positions thanks to
his length and athleticism, and he's experienced as both a starter
and a reserve.
"I've done both, so I'm comfortable
with doing both," Ross told Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinel last October about starting or coming off the bench. "It's not like
either would be new to me."
Let's examine several potential landing spots if he's moved before the deadline.
Los Angeles Lakers
Ross would be a low-risk addition
for the Lakers, who are desperately seeking a spark after a 6-11 start to the season. He would represent a scoring boost off the
bench at minimum, and there's a legitimate chance he could provide even
more value if his defense returns to its usual level.
The Lakers rank last in the NBA in both three-pointers made per game (9.1) and three-point shooting percentage (30.6). So, while their roster needs a lot of work to move back toward contention, a reliable outside shooter may top the list.
Ross, who's shooting 39.2 percent from beyond the arc this season, should slot in as key wing
depth behind LeBron James and Austin Reaves upon his arrival in L.A.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks' trade of Kevin Huerter, who's enjoying a breakout season with the Sacramento Kings, got lost amid the team's busy offseason, but it's left the team a little short on three-point shooting behind Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
Atlanta sits 29th in threes per game (9.6) and 26th in three-point percentage (32.7), but the team still ranks ninth in scoring (114.8 points per game), which suggests the offense has top-five potential if it's able to add another outside shooter or two.
Ross certainly fits the bill given his success from long range so far this season, and he'd also provide some veteran leadership for a squad looking to reach contender status.
Toronto Raptors
A reunion with the Raptors would not only be a cool storyline, but it could provide a spark for an offense that's been a bit sluggish during a 9-9 start to the season.
Toronto ranks 17th in points per game (111.7), 23rd in threes made (11.0) and 25th in three-point percentage (33.1). Those problems are magnified when Fred VanVleet, who's missed six of the team's 18 games, is out of the lineup.
Ross could provide a nice boost to the Raptors' backcourt reserve group, and it would also be a chance for him to write a second chapter with the organization following an initial up-and-down five-year run in Toronto.
Report: Magic's Cole Anthony Out Indefinitely After Suffering Oblique Injury
Oct 27, 2022
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 13: Cole Anthony #50 of the Orlando Magic dribbles against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Amway Center on November 13, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony is reportedly dealing with an oblique injury that could cause him to miss some time.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Anthony is set to undergo further evaluation, at which point a timetable for his return will be determined.
The 22-year-old is averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists through four games so far in 2022-23.
Anthony is coming off a breakout second season in the NBA, averaging 16.3 points, 5.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game.
There are still questions about his efficiency and consistency, but Anthony continues to show the explosiveness and scoring ability that turned heads in high school and in college at North Carolina.
The only thing that has slowed him down so far is injuries.
Anthony missed six games because of an ankle injury suffered last November, while another sprained ankle cost him time in December and January. In 2020-21, a shoulder injury kept Anthony off the court for nearly two months. He appeared in just 47 games as a rookie, averaging 12.9 points per game.
Though he has proved he can be a difference-maker when healthy, durability has become a significant concern for the Magic.
Orlando is also currently without guard Jalen Suggs due to an ankle sprain, meaning Terrence Ross and R.J. Hampton should see increased playing time until Anthony and Suggs are healthy enough to return.
Paolo Banchero, Dejounte Murray Draw Rave Reviews on Twitter as Hawks Outlast Magic
Oct 22, 2022
Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray reacts after a basket against the Houston Rockets during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 108-98 on Friday night to improve to 2-0, and Dejounte Murray was one of the best players on the floor in just his second game with the franchise.
Murray, who was traded to the Hawks from the San Antonio Spurs in June, finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and three steals, making 8-of-16 shots from the floor and 2-of-5 shots from deep in the win.
It was the second straight game Murray notched 20 points, having done so in the season opener on Wednesday against the Houston Rockets, and he's drawing rave reviews on social media for his latest performance:
FROM ELIAS: Trae Young and Dejounte Murray are the first duo in NBA history to each average 20 points and 10 assists through the first 2 games of a season. https://t.co/MnloyEvfRp
Murray wasn't the only one that was praised, though.
Magic rookie Paolo Banchero had a solid performance despite an off night shooting. He finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, one steal and three blocks, making 6-of-18 shots from the floor and 1-of-6 shots from deep.
The 2022 No. 1 overall pick was praised for his performance despite Orlando's loss:
Paolo Banchero had an off shooting night (6-18 FG).
I know it’s a small sample size of just 2 games but I was very wrong on Paolo Banchero draft night. Kid is a stud. Does everything well(except shoot 3’s right now). #Magic are very fortunate to have him as a cornerstone. His defense and rebounding was very overstated as weakness
Both of these players have bright futures ahead. However, the Hawks are currently a much more complete team, and it's going to take the Magic some time to get there, especially with such a young roster.
The Hawks will host the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, while the Magic will host the Boston Celtics on Saturday aiming for their first win of the season.
Magic's Paolo Banchero Says He Loved Duke but Felt Like 'Zoo Animal' There
Oct 20, 2022
NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 02: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Duke Blue Devils warms up prior to their game against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four at Caesars Superdome on April 2, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
Paolo Banchero apparently wasn't a fan of all the attention he received as a student during his lone season at Duke.
Appearing on The Young Person Basketball Podcast with R.J. Hampton (h/t TMZ Sports), Banchero said there were times last year the then-freshman felt like "a zoo animal" because he would see people in classes "whispering about you" and "staring at you."
The Orlando Magic rookie recalled one time when another student brought their family to his dorm to see him.
"I open my door and it's a mom, dad, their daughter who goes to Duke and, like, their little brother," Banchero explained. "And, I'm just like, 'Damn.'"
Despite the intrusion on his life away from Cameron Indoor Stadium, Banchero did speak well of his time with the Blue Devils.
"I definitely enjoyed it," he said.
There were a lot of expectations put on Banchero's shoulders when he committed to Duke. The Seattle native was a 5-star prospect and No. 2 overall prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, per 247Sports composite rankings.
Banchero led the Blue Devils in scoring average (17.2 points per game) and rebounds (7.8) in 39 games. He helped the team advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2014-15, but they lost to North Carolina in the national semifinal.
After declaring for the 2022 NBA draft in April, the 19-year-old was selected No. 1 overall by the Magic. He had a historic debut with 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists in Wednesday's opener against the Detroit Pistons.
Banchero joined Kareem Abdul-Jabaar and LeBron James as the only No. 1 picks since 1969 to have at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in their first career game.
Magic's Paolo Banchero Says Having NBA Debut Comparable to LeBron James 'Means a Lot'
Oct 20, 2022
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 19: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons on October 19, 2022 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic came up short against the Detroit Pistons in Wednesday's season opener, but the performance of No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero gave fans of the team plenty to be excited about.
Banchero finished with 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists. He is the first player since LeBron James to have at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in their first NBA game.
Since 1969, only three No. 1 overall picks have dropped 25+ PTS, 5+ REB, and 5+ AST in their NBA debut.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Banchero was clearly upset about the 113-109 loss but said it "means a lot" having his name alongside James' after his first career game.
Leading up to the draft, there was a lot of debate about what the Magic would do with the top pick. There was a widespread belief for a long time that Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr. would be the choice.
Coming out of the NBA Draft Combine, ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz wrote that rival teams "firmly believe" that Smith "is all but assured" to go No. 1 overall.
On draft night, though, it became clear Orlando's front office pulled a fast one and was going to select Banchero.
Per ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Brian Windhorst, the Magic's apparent misdirection was actually just "the product of a grueling process to choose between top prospects" that included Banchero, Smith and Chet Holmgren.
They also noted the Houston Rockets, who had the No. 3 overall pick, proposed a trade to Orlando for the top choice after it became clear Banchero was going to be the selection.
"The negotiation was brief, and the Rockets got the message: A deal was highly unlikely," MacMahon and Windhorst wrote.
It's only one game, but the Magic appear to have made the right call. Banchero was excellent against the Pistons. He scored 13 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter to help keep the game close.
Wednesday's game was an excellent showcase for all three of Orlando's lottery picks from the previous two years. Jalen Suggs had 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting. Franz Wagner finished with 20 points, five assists and four rebounds.
As the trio of Banchero, Suggs and Wagner continue to gain experience, the Magic have the makings of a very strong foundation to build around for the first time since the end of the Dwight Howard era.
Magic's Paolo Banchero Says Winning ROY Award Among 'Main' Goals for Rookie Season
Oct 16, 2022
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 14: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball to the net against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Amway Center on October 14, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero said winning Rookie of the Year is a priority for him this season.
"Besides the team success and us having a great year, that's definitely my main goal," Banchero told Marc Stein.
Banchero certainly has high expectations after averaging 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game at Duke, showcasing the ability to score in a variety of ways. The 2022 No. 1 overall pick is the preseason favorite to win Rookie of the Year, per Fanduel, ahead of Jaden Ivey and Keegan Murray.
No. 2 pick Chet Holmgren will also miss the season because of a foot injury.
There is no guarantee the top pick wins the Rookie of the Year award. Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes won it last year after going fourth in the 2021 draft, following LaMelo Ball, Ja Morant and Luka Doncic, and none of them was a No. 1 overall pick.
Karl-Anthony Towns was the last player to win Rookie of the Year immediately after being drafted No. 1 overall in 2015-16 (Ben Simmons won after missing his first year).
It creates a tough task for Banchero heading into his first NBA season.
Dwight Howard Says 'I Allowed too Much to Happen' During Magic Tenure
Oct 6, 2022
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Dwight Howard attends Special Los Angeles Screening Of Netflix's "The Redeem Team" at TUDUM Theater on September 22, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)
Longtime NBA center Dwight Howard regrets not speaking out against false narratives regarding his commitment and character while with the Orlando Magic.
Appearing on All The Smoke with former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson (beginning at the 31-minute mark), Howard discussed his time in Orlando and expressed his belief that he didn't do enough to shut down the negative perceptions that surrounded him:
Howard said he "allowed too much to happen" to the point that other teams within the NBA believed the stories that were in the media about him.
He also lamented the fact that he didn't get more time to help lead the Magic to a championship, saying:
"I just felt like the media was trying to put me against the team. I hurt my back that year and people on the team think that I'm not really hurt, that I'm out partying and doing other stuff. And I'm like, I ain't even that type of dude to be doing some s--t like that to my teammates. That ain't even me. So, it was just so much going on, and just looking back I'm like, I really should have just stepped up and said something."
Orlando made Howard the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft out of high school, and he went on to establish himself as one of the league's most dominant big men during his eight seasons with the Magic.
Howard earned six of his eight career All-Star selections in Orlando, plus he won four of his five rebounding titles, both of his block titles and all three of his NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards.
He also led the Magic to the playoffs five times, including the NBA Finals in 2009, and averaged 18.4 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 621 regular-season games for the team.
Howard was traded from the Magic to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012, but his production never reached the same heights as in Orlando.
Even so, Howard went on to play 10 more seasons in the NBA with the Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers, and he won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020.
Now, Howard is 36 years old and a free agent, and with the start of the 2022-23 NBA season approaching, it is possible he has played his last game.
Even with his time in Orlando ending under less-than-ideal circumstances, Howard had a spectacular NBA career that could land him in the Hall of Fame one day.
Magic's Terrence Ross on Bol Bol: 'Nobody's Ever Seen Anybody Play Like This'
Oct 1, 2022
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Bol Bol #10 of the Orlando Magic poses during the 2022 Orlando Magic Media Day at AdventHealth Training Center on September 26, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Bol Bol spent the first three seasons of his NBA career as a garbage-time player for the Denver Nuggets, but his potential has kept him in the NBA, and now he's getting a fresh start with the Orlando Magic.
The Nuggets tried to trade Bol to the Detroit Pistons last season, but he failed his physical because of a foot injury, so the deal never went through. The 7'2" big man then underwent surgery, and Denver traded him to the Boston Celtics, who later dealt him to the Magic.
Entering the 2022-23 campaign, Bol is fully healthy, and it appears he's making a solid impression on his Orlando teammates in training camp, including Terrence Ross, who described him as a "freak."
"He's a freak. ... I don't know. It's hard to really describe @BolBol."
"Nobody's ever seen anybody play like this," Ross added.
It's unclear how much playing time Bol will see during the 2022-23 campaign, but it's clear he's going to get a shot to show what he's made of in Orlando. If he can remain healthy, he could prove to be a solid bench player for the Magic.
Buccaneers, Magic Ownership Groups Donate $1M Each to Hurricane Ian Relief Efforts
Sep 29, 2022
TAMPA, FL - MAY 31: Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet lies on the ground during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers OTA Offseason Workouts on May 31, 2022 at the AdventHealth Training Center at One Buccaneer Place in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Glazer family, which owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is donating $1 million toward the Hurricane Ian relief effort.
"The destruction suffered in Southwest Florida and the damage inflicted throughout our state will be felt for some time," co-owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz said. "It will take entire communities resiliently working together for an extended period and our family is committed to aiding in the recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the countless people affected, the heroic first responders and all of those helping to keep others safe."
The DeVos family, which owns the Orlando Magic, announced Friday it will also donate $1 million to relief efforts.
“Our hearts are with this community, which has long been part of our family,” Orlando Magic Chairman Dan DeVos said. “We will continue to partner with organizations closest to those most impacted, and as always, prioritize the health and safety of the people in the region. This community is resilient, and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected as well as the leaders and first responders who continually put neighbors first.”
Ian made landfall Wednesday and was a Category 4 storm when it began hitting the Florida coast. After getting downgraded to a tropical storm, it returned to hurricane status as it made its way up the Eastern seaboard.
#Ian becomes a hurricane again. Taking aim at the Carolinas and Georgia with life-threatening flooding, storm surge and strong winds.
President Joe Biden said Thursday that Ian "could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida's history" and warned of a potentially "substantial loss of life."
JUST IN: "This could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida's history,” Pres. Biden says during Hurricane Ian briefing at FEMA headquarters.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis equated Ian to "basically a 500-year flood event."
Per CNN, there are at least 15 reported deaths attributed to the storm. Ian has also caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, with 2.6 million Florida residents without power.
The Buccaneers host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night. The NFL identified U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis as an alternative location if Ian forced the league to move the game. The Bucs announced Thursday the game will still be held at the original site, Raymond James Stadium.
