NBA basketball is complicated. There are a lot of nuances in the game. Therefore, there are a lot of skills that count. Teams need playmakers, defenders, shot-creators, screen setters, and rebounders.
Yet, if one skill counts above all else, it’s shooting. A team that can’t shoot isn’t likely to travel far. It’s the most fundamental skill in the sport.
The Orlando Magic are learning that lesson this year. This team has an impressive collection of talent. The Magic are set for playmaking. They’ve got a deep roster full of quality defensive players.
Unfortunately, the Magic are extremely light on shooting. If they don’t make a move to improve their floor spacing, they may not accomplish whatever goals they’ve set for themselves in 2023-24.
In all likelihood, they signed Joe Ingles this summer with their floor spacing in mind. Unfortunately, Ingles is struggling to knock down the three-ball. He’s near the end of his career, and he may not get back on track in Orlando’s timeline.
Could they include him in a package to land Doug McDermott of the San Antonio Spurs?
NBA Trade Proposal: Orlando Magic Land San Antonio Spurs’ Doug McDermott
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G/F Joe Ingles, 2024 Second-Round Pick (ORL), 2026 Second-Round Pick (ORL), 2028 Second-Round Pick (ORL)
Orlando Magic Receive: F Doug McDermott
The most important skill in the game may be shooting. That doesn’t mean that the most important type of player that you can have is a shooter. Above all else, you need a superstar player.
Once you’ve got one of those, you can put shooters around him. Any team in the NBA that wants to compete for the NBA title needs a superstar player before they can get in the mix.
The Magic should be good on that front. Paolo Banchero looks every bit the part of a franchise player. His rare blend of size and shot-creating ability make him a problem for any opposing defense.
Meanwhile, Franz Wagner has flashed the potential to get on that level as well. Orlando needs shooting, but once they get it, they’re likely to explode.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Doug McDermott, San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic Updates
On the other hand, the Spurs may have a more special player. Obviously, we’re talking about Victor Wembanyama. If he hits his ceiling, he should be the best player in basketball.
Does this deal help the Spurs put a better team around him?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
Not immediately. The Spurs’ floor spacing would take a major hit following this deal. That’s fine – it might even be preferable. For the Spurs, this is partially about their ability to tank. Once they’ve shed McDermott, they’re likely to start losing more games. That will help them improve their lottery odds ahead of the 2024 draft.
With that said, that’s not the only benefit here. The Spurs are also landing three second-round picks. McDermott is a role player on an expiring deal – he won’t net the Spurs an unprotected first.
Still, smart teams can use second-round picks, whether they’re using them as trade chips or to select players. These are valuable assets for the Spurs.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Doug McDermott, San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic Updates
Finally, Ingles is a smart, solid veteran mentor for this young Spurs team. His play may have declined, but he’ll be a valuable presence in this team’s locker room. Should the young Magic part with him?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
The Spurs are at the beginning of their rebuild. By contrast, the Magic are hoping to be at the end of theirs. This team is looking to take a step forward. As a result, they need production more than they need mentorship.
That’s why this deal should suit them. McDermott is producitve. He’s one of the best shooters in the NBA. The Magic are desperate for floor spacers who will make life easier on their surplus of playmakers. McDermott will do the job.
Is he the perfect fit? Arguably, no. The Magic have impressive wing depth – they may prefer a floor-spacing guard. We still think McDermott would be a strong acquisition.
The Magic have impressive positional versatility. They can run lineups with Banchero at the 5 They could even get bold and move Wagner to the 2 for spells.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Doug McDermott, San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic Updates
Either way, adding a knockdown shooter like McDermott should make them better. After all, that’s the most important skill in basketball.
