2) Magic could use Saddiq Bey’s shooting and rebounding too
Orlando shares Cleveland’s struggles on the glass, compounding the issue with a lack of three-point shooting in terms of volume and efficiency. Naturally, those issues were compounded in the postseason.
The Magic ranked 24th in efficiency from beyond the arc and 29th in attempts. They also ranked 25th on the glass, though their issue was mainly on the defensive boards.
Bey’s 5.7 threes per game would have led the Magic this past season.
His career-high 6.5 rebounds would have ranked third on their roster, behind only big men Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter. Adding Bey would also buy the Magic some more time to let their young team mature before making any all-in moves.
We hear from Saddiq Bey after he goes off for 51 points, including 10 3-pointers, in the Pistons' 134-120 victory over the Magic on Thursday. #DetroitBasketball pic.twitter.com/hFPuCIQ03Q
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) March 18, 2022
Bey’s health will be a focal point of every discussion about him this offseason. But the Magic have shown a willingness to work with players through significant injuries.
They too can offer the non-taxpayers MLE, putting pressure on the Hawks.
Coming off a breakout season as a group that saw them capture the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, a low-risk move like offering Bey could both bolster their own cause while hurting a rival in the Hawks.
At the very least, they can force the Hawks’ hand. That can be considered a win-win proposition for any front office.