The Orlando Magic have agreed to a two-year deal with veteran point guard Cory Joseph, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
The Orlando Magic and free agent guard Cory Joseph have agreed to a two-year deal, has learned. Joseph is represented by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul.
Orlando Magic Signs Veteran Point Guard, What Does It Mean For Rest Of Offseason?
Joseph struggled in his lone season with the Warriors, averaging 2.4 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 rebounds in 12 minutes a game over 26 appearances. His shooting slash line was 35.9/31.0/5 .7%. He didn’t score in double figures or dish out more than four assists in any of his appearances last season.
Despite the struggles, Joseph is a solid addition. The Magic has focused on adding veterans this offseason while also maintaining continuity. They also needed another ball-handler following Joe Ingles, who the Magic had an interest in re-signing and decided to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves nearly two weeks ago.
Joseph is a fantastic ball handler and distributor, with a career 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. He is also an adequate shooter and has improved as a 3-point shooter throughout his career. Joseph canned one 3-pointer a game in his two-plus seasons with Detroit while draining nearly 40% of his atte pts. He was with the Pistons before signing with the Warriors before last season.
What Will Joseph’s Role Be With The Magic?
Joseph gives the Magic a veteran calming presence in the locker room and will also tutor their young point guards, Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black. Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris, and Ingles were the veterans last year.
Coming off a career year, Suggs is the presumptuous starting point guard alongside Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. While the 23-year-old does have experience as the lead guard, he has spent most of his NBA career off the ball.
Black, selected with the No. 6 overall pick in 2023, is still 20 and may not be ready to see a significant role for a team that will be expected to be a problem in the Eastern Conference. Black appeared in 66 games this past season for the Magic, including 33 starts, and the Magic were the surprise team of the conference. While Black didn’t put up huge numbers, he had a promising rookie campaign and can also play shooting guard and small forward,
Even if Black starts the season as Orlando’s backup point guard, Joseph will provide the Magic with insurance in case of injury. His arrival will also ensure that Cole Anthony can continue to do what he does best: score rather than be a distributor off the bench.
Orlando’s Roster Situation Going Forward
Joseph’s signing means that Orlando now has 15 players on standard contracts. It also means the end of Fultz’s tenure with the Magic. Fultz appeared in 201 games, including 149 starts, over five seasons in Orlando. But health, 3-point shooting, and probably price tag were is ues. He made $17 million last season.
Even when Joseph officially signs with Orlando, the Magic project is about $20 million below the NBA tax line. However, don’t expect the Magic to make any more moves before the se son. The Magic still have two two-way spots to fill, as Trevelin Queen is the only player with this deal.
