The League has evolved in terms of Talent, skill, athleticism, and playstyle. This evolution throughout the history of the league is enkindled by inspiration- your favorite player once  practiced and emulated his favorite players’ moves in the driveway and this cycle of inspiration is periodic. This list will compare your Favorite Orlando Magic Players with their historical counterparts who share a similar skillset and playstyle.

Disclaimer – these players are in no particular order:

1. Nikola Vucevic – Andrea Bargnani

Both of these elite big men are recognized for their shooting ability- they can spread the floor, work the pick and pop. However, a great deal of points for these big men come from the post- backing their man down and hitting a running floater or layup with extremely soft touch. Their arsenal is very deep and both utilize the pump-fake to great effect. They can definitely posterize players, while prioritizing the layup or shot. Neither over rely on their athleticism.  

2. Aaron Gordon – Blake Griffin

Besides the obvious Athleticism and dunking prowess, AG and BG have a similar style of basketball. Both of them are good playmakers especially for their size and position. While statistically, their assist numbers might not look like much, you have to understand Blake has played with Chris Paul so he’s had a little less responsibility in that department. Aaron Gordon has posted 7 and 6 assists a game in February and March respectively and Blake usually orchestrates the offense on the Pistons. Both are average 3 point and FT threats. Both have also had reasonable success in the movie industry. 

3. Evan Fournier – Nicolas batum

Both Fournier and Batum are french and probably have learned from each other from the French national Team. Both are very versatile players- they can spread, spot up, make plays, handle the ball, and are both solid finishers. Neither of them are super flashy with their drives but they are efficient and can bring their own offense. 

4. Markelle Fultz – Lance Stevenson

Both Markelle and Lance Stevenson definitely have a herky-jerky style when it pertains to their movements and on-court tactics which definitely is a good thing. They have super unpredictable handles (spin moves go crazy), live in the midrange, and can create for their teammates. Their most overlooked aspect of their game is their passing – both elite- and can finish with crazy contact. 

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5. Jonathan Isaac – Andrei Kirilenko

JI and AK47 are both defensive minded small forwards who are both threats to have a 5×5 stat sheet – at least 5 points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks; Just look at these two stat lines- 

2003: | PTS: 19 | REB: 5 | AST: 7 | STL: 8 | BLK: 5| (AK47)

2019 | PTS: 13 | REB: 10 | AST: 5 | STL: 4 | BLK: 6 | TO: 4 |  (JI)

They both resemble the perfect swiss army knife player. Neither of them have a super consistent jumpshot- JI still working on that- but they are beasts in transition. 

6. Terrence Ross – J.R Smith

T-Ross and J.R have had similar careers- they entered the league as super decorated dunkers but to extend their career developed lethal jump shots especially from 3 point range. Neither shy away from shooting the ball- J.R has stated that a bad shot is better than a turnover and therefore no one should be scared shooting. Terrence Ross’ semi transition pull-up three is a thing of beauty. From long range both of these elite 6-men can light up a whole team- Ross’ nickname is the “Human torch’.

7. Mo Bamba – Rudy Gobert

Both have freakishly long arms which helps drastically help their defensive presence at the rim. Their long and lanky figure is good for rebounding and catching lobs which is the main offensive focal point for both of these two players. Both set a lot of picks and handoffs. Orlando however runs more Pick and Pop for Bamba (shoots 3s and midranges with a fluent shot), while Utah runs more Pick and Rolls with Ingles and Gobert. Gobert is better at taking care of the ball, which Bamba will improve at throughout his career. 

8. Dj Augustin – Jason Williams

These two smaller point guards have super tight handles, a really good shot, and are very quick scorers. Neither are extremely good at defense or have super good efficiency due to their size but they are super crafty finishers, and can create for their teammates with super flashy passes. They can fake their opponents out and have underrated speed with the ball. 

9. Michael Carter Williams – Tony Allen

Two defensive minded point guards whose main offense is slashing. Of course Tony Allen has more defensive accolades but don’t sleep on MCW. Just look at these defensive career stats-  1.4 STL 0.4 BLK / 1.3 STL 0.5 BLK, and tell me who is who. Both these point guards pass the defensive eye test and if you watch magic games the energy MCW brings on the defensive end is unmatched. Neither of them are good at shooting but they impact the game in many other ways.