NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the Orlando Magic

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 09: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball while being guarded by Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the first quarter at the Bradley Center on April 9, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Aaron Gordon;Jabari Parker /

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MILWAUKEE, WI – FEBRUARY 24: Dante Exum #11 of the Utah Jazz works against Rashad Vaughn #20 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on February 24, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2. Dante Exum

If there was one major complaint from Orlando Magic fans after the draft, it was the team’s inability to address the point guard position. Maybe fans were more hopeful the team would draft Trae Young to solve all those problems. But even with a strong crop of point guards that went late in the first round, they wanted to see some new blood injected in there.

To be sure, point guard is a priority for the Magic in free agency with the limited assets the team has. Orlando currently only has two on the roster — D.J. Augustin and Shelvin Mack. And Mack could get waived Monday to help the team save $5 million (only $1 million of his $6 million contract is guaranteed). Augustin hardly inspires much confidence for the long term.

The point guard market is not super deep — Isaiah Thomas was already described as a potential target. But Thomas does not fit the profile of players the Magic prefer. Length is a buzzword with the team, and who could blame them after the draft?

It seems like Orlando might be looking for a different kind of player. And the team is in a position where it could be willing to take a risk on a player who just needs a chance to shine.

Exum has not really gotten that in Utah mostly because of recurring injuries that have kept him off the floor. Last year was his most productive year, averaging 8.1 points per game in 14 games. He shot 48.3 percent from the floor despite a 27.8 percent mark from beyond the arc.

Exum has always been a wiry athlete and a good defender. He uses his length extremely well on that end even as he has had to struggle with his health. Exum has really just needed time on the court.

The Jazz used him as a change-of-pace off the bench. He would mix things up and make those second units struggle to get around him. He made a lot of good energy plays and showed why he was selected so high in 2015.

Magic fans will likely remember he was the popular pick over Aaron Gordon in the 2014 Draft. Exum’s career has gotten off to a bit of a false start. But he has clearly shown a ton of talent and ability. He just needs the time on the court right now.

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