

The Orlando Magic season has been a roller coaster. High expectations began with what appeared to be a strong offseason, highlighted by the addition of Desmond Bane.
Bane was only part of the overhaul. The Magic extended Paolo Banchero, drafted two promising players and signed Tyus Jones to run the second unit. Most of those moves paid off, but the addition of Jones did not, as he was traded midseason for cash considerations.
Jones averaged career lows across the board, including 2.9 points and 2.4 assists per game. While he did not sign a major contract, the expectation was that he would provide stability off the bench. Now with the Denver Nuggets, he continues to search for consistency in what has been a difficult season.
ESPN recently ranked the 10 worst offseason moves, placing the Magic’s signing of Jones at No. 9. The move did not carry significant risk, but it ultimately failed to deliver.
“The Magic were looking for a dependable backup point guard when they signed Jones for one year and $7 million,” ESPN Wrote. “Instead, they got a player who averaged just 3.0 PPG on 34% shooting (29% from 3). Orlando was 11.3 points per 100 possessions worse with Jones on the floor.”
“Is there any hope? No,” the article added. “Like the Cavaliers with Ball, the Magic used two second-round picks to dump Jones' contract at the deadline, and he's since bounced from Charlotte to Dallas to Denver, where he's played a small role for the Nuggets.
The second half of the season has also been marked by inconsistency for the Magic, who followed a seven-game winning streak with a four-game skid, most recently losing to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Magic will continue to rely on Jevon Carter and Jamal Cain to help fill the role originally expected from Jones.
Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black remains out of the lineup tonight against the Indiana Pacers. He is still dealing with a stomach injury.
Here's the full injury report:
MAGIC
Anthony Black: Out (Stomach)
Jonathan Isaac: Out (Knee)
Franz Wagner: Out (Ankle)
PACERS
Johnny Furphy: Out (Knee)
Tyrese Haliburton: Out (Knee)
Andrew Nembhard: Questionable (Calf)
Aaron Nesmith: Questionable (ankle)
Taelon Peter: Questionable (G League)
Pascal Siakam: Questionable (Knee)
Jalen Slawson: Questionable (G League)
Ethan Thompson: Questionable (G League)
Obi Toppin: Questionable (Foot)
Ivica Zubac: Out: (Rib)
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