The Orlando Magic figure to be shorthanded at the wing positions Sunday against the Indiana Pacers, owing to the suspension of starting small forward Hedo Turkoglu. In addition, the sprained ankle starting two-guard Jason Richardson suffered late in Thursday's win against the Chicago Bulls could rule him out Sunday as well, though the Magic have yet to release any information about his availability. Assuming that J.J. Redick will get his 10th spot-start of the season in Richardson's place, to whom should the Magic turn at small forward?
The options aren't plentiful. Veteran swingman Quentin Richardson, who has made one spot-start this season already, would seem to be the most obvious choice. He started 19 games for the Magic in the 2010/11 season before they acquired Turkoglu and provides above-average defense, which brings him into favor with coach Stan Van Gundy.
But Van Gundy has some other choices. He could elect to go with Earl Clark, who has power-forward size but small-forward athleticism, in order to bottle up with Danny Granger, Indiana's leading scorer at 18.1 points per game. Though an offensive liability, Clark can block shots and crash the offensive board, which makes him useful. It's worth noting that Clark has yet to start at the NBA level.
A wildcard choice would be DeAndre Liggins, the rookie from Kentucky who's demonstrated his athleticism and willingness to defend in his 33 minutes of floor time this season. Liggins' numbers don't wow--eight points, five boards, three steals--but his energy and ability to get ahead of the ball in transition are assets nonetheless.
You be the coach: if it were your call to make, who would start alongside Redick on Sunday?
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