Pau Gasol has not exactly been relevant in the NBA over the past couple of years for his current play. He was unable to play for Portland due to injury this year and only appeared in three games for the Bucks last season after being acquired.
But he may not be ready to hang it up just yet. He said how special it would be for him to be able to finish his playing career with the team that he had the most success with. If the Lakers have mutual interest, he could be another great locker room voice and a great asset for LeBron’s club.
Sixers’ Surprise Asset
If you haven’t heard of Vasilije Micic, you are not the only one. NBA fans may be unfamiliar with him, but the 26-year-old could finally be coming to the NBA. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2014 draft.
In the EuroLeague last year, Micic averaged 15 points and six assists per game. He has proven himself as a solid guard, and he could have a defined role on a team that continues to search for their backup point guard. He believes he could play more than 20 minutes per game. So, keep your eye on him.
Magic Roles
Over in Orlando, a couple of guys acquired in the past couple of seasons are fitting their roles very well. First is former Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams, who has had some tough sledding in this league since breaking out in a big way during his first campaign.
Carter-Williams was unclear if he still had a place in this league after Houston waived him, but when he joined the Magic on a few 10-day contracts last year, things began to click right away. He was a solid backup for DJ Augustin. He believes now that he’s in a “good spot” with the Magic.
And it’s clear that the feeling is mutual. Even with the return of Markelle Fultz this year, he’s still getting minutes, now at both guard spots. What his future will be is yet to be determined, but he is doing a nice job with the Magic.
There’s also James Ennis III, who had been in Philadelphia for the last few years before being acquired by the Magic at the deadline. Injuries to Al-Farouq Aminu and Jonathan Isaac prompted them to make a deal, and he’s the guy they brought in.
Coach Steve Clifford believes he “solidified” the rotation with his play on both ends. He was averaging seven points and four boards while hitting one three per game and averaging nearly a steal. He isn’t going to wow you with his production, but he’s a capable player who can handle however many minutes are necessary.
The Magic would be playing on if the season went right to the postseason. They were the eighth seed in the East at the time of the stoppage. Clifford has done a nice job at the helm, helping them end an eight-year playoff drought with last year’s trip.
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