As a teacher, it's time to return writing for OPP to what I do best, to something right up my alley. That's right, my annual progress reports are back! I'm going to write-up ten game progress reports reflecting stats and comments about individual players on the roster from the prior three-week's slate of games.

Believe it or not, the Magic have already completed just under an eighth of their 2016-17 schedule. Let's visit who on the roster has been carrying their weight thus far, and who needs to start playing better sooner rather than later. I will pull no punches if need be; I will be fair to players if deservingly so.

In the comments section below, please feel free to agree or disagree with any of my assessments, or simply just let me know if this is something that you interests' you. Enjoy!

Evan Fournier (10 GP), Grade: B+

As expected, Evan is getting a career uptick in run this season, and he honestly hasn't lost much in terms of efficiency. His 3P% is a tick low, but the TS%, PER, and eFG% numbers are right where they need to be. Fournier is accumulating assists at a slightly higher rate than his overall career rate (16.1% AST%), and he's not killing the team with an increase in turnovers relative to playing more.

I would like to see Evan become more adequate on the defensive side of the ball. I know he's been playing through some back spasms, and that may be affecting his lateral movement. But the fact is, his defensive metrics are a ways behind his offensive numbers (115 DRtg, -3.0 Defensive +/-, 0.0 DWS, etc.), and that's why I awarded him a "B+" rather than an "A".

Best performance in the last 10 games: 11/13 @OKC
21 pts (7-10, 3-4 3PA), 5 assists, 2 rebounds

Bismack Biyombo (9 GP), Grade: D-

So this is what $17M per year gets you these days? Awful.

To be fair, Biyombo thus far has done some things well that he's always done well. He leads the team in Blocks per/36 (2.3) & Blk. %, he's tied for the lead on the team with a 0.2 DWS number, and he's second on the roster behind Vucevic in just about all rebounding metrics (REB per/36, OREB%, REB%, etc). Still, I seriously question why the organization didn't elect to pay Dewayne Dedmon or even Kyle O'Quinn 1/6th of what Biyombo is making to do the exact same thing?

I don't see on OPP any of the people all summer that were calling for Biyombo to start still doing so. The bottom line is, this is who Bismack Biyombo is. When he's out there, you're basically playing four-on-five offensively, and the Magic just don't have the same parts to surround Bismack with on their roster that Toronto had.

Since he's doing some things well, the "D-" grade may seem a bit harsh, but he truly does need to pick up his play a good deal. Biyombo has connected so far on a remarkably low 47% of his shots from inside of 3 feet, which is a terrible beginning of the season for a guy who on average shoots from about 3.7 feet away in his career. I expect those numbers to improve (fingers-crossed), but mix in his career low percentage thus far at the FT-line and his career-high TOV%, and you get a "D-". Not an "F", but only because it's early.

Best performance in the last 10 games: 11/5 vs. WAS
9 pts (4-6), 12 rebounds, 3 blocks

Jeff Green (10 GP), Grade: C-

So my worst nightmare after hearing about his signing last summer has already come true after only eight games. Jeff Green is starting now, that's happening. I wish his play thus far would have warranted such a move, but it really hasn't. He's not defending a lick; he's not shooting it well. His TS% of 50% is actually good for fourth on the team so far, but that's more of an indictment regarding how bad things have been more than anything else. He is getting to the FT line at a clip of 4.3 FTA per/36, which is good for the lead on a roster that can't get to the charity stripe, so there's that.

Green has proven already this year that he can provide scoring from time to time off the bench when needed, but that's about it. Veteran or not, he's just not good enough to play minutes on the floor against the other team's best wing forwards.

Oh yeah, and 101 more days until the Magic can trade Jeff Green. Yes, this is going to be a thing when I write these.

Best performance in the last 10 games: 11/3 vs. SAC
15 points (5-9, 3-4 3PA), 3 rebounds

Serge Ibaka (10 GP), Grade: C+

The recent Ibaka revenge game really saved his grade from being much worse this time around. I don't expect a whole bunch of games from Ibaka moving forward like the one he played in Oklahoma City; that would be unfair. But he has to be better on defense; right now, it's bad news.

He's providing little to no resistance at the rim, guys are just putting their heads down and going right at him (watch the film of Chicago's Taj Gibson making a bee line right to the rim every time he got the ball in or near the post against Ibaka). Ibaka's lift and athleticism have seemed to be missing for large stretches of games this year. What's more disconcerting is that Ibaka has looked disinterested numerous times while wearing pinstripes, which to be fair, may just be part of his persona. But Ibaka looked alive and motivated against his old team, and I just wish he would tap into that energy more regularly for the rest of the season. His rebounding and shot-blocking numbers are at career lows, but they have been noticeably declining for sometime.

Ibaka is doing a few things well on offense. He's leading the team in FG% inside of 10 feet, he's produced the second highest TS% on the team behind only Evan Fournier, and he's leading the team (along with Fournier) in OWS (0.4). He's also taking care of the basketball, primarily because he shoots it whenever it's passed to him (7.3% TOV%, tied for lowest on the team). The 47% 3P% is obviously going to come down, but has been impressive nonetheless.

Either way, resigning Ibaka next summer long-term doesn't seem to be in Orlando's best interest. I realize that letting him walk would equate to absolutely nothing Orlando received in return for Victor Oladipo, so I think the team (perhaps a new GM?) would be best served to at least entertain the idea of trading Serge in February.

Serge Sweepstakes: One team that strikes me as an interested party who would maybe consider bringing in Ibaka is the Chicago Bulls. He would be tough to fit into their salary cap situation; any deal involving Ibaka would assuredly have to include Nikola Mirotic heading out. But Chicago brought in Dwayne Wade, so you know they are well aware of their tiny window of opportunity to challenge Cleveland. Bringing in Ibaka, and pairing him in a triumvirate frontcourt with Gibson and Robin Lopez, would be a plus move for the Bulls. The Magic could send Mirotic to a 3rd team, try to flip him, or let him play out his contract. If the Magic were to make a hypothetical move like this, Bobby Portis would be the prize that I would insist be included in any deal.

Best performance in the last 10 games: 11/13 @OKC
31 points (13-19, 2-2 3PA), 9 rebounds, 4 blocks

Nik Vucevic (10 GP), Grade: B+

The 2016-17 season is such a huge one for Nik Vucevic's career. The organization obviously brought in another center in the offseason with an inflated contract, and fans of basketball everywhere have wondered ever since, "Where does that leave Nik Vucevic"? Throw in a new defensive-minded head coach to boot and it's not surprising that Vucevic's minutes thus far are at an all-time low during his time in Orlando.

Don't be fooled by his modest 12-10 counting numbers, Vucevic is actually rebounding at a higher rate than he ever has. Vucevic not only leads the team, but is posting career highs of his own in OREB per/36, REB per/36, OREB%, and REB%. And Nik's 4/1 A/TO ratio per/36 is astounding for a center.

Yet all is not perfect, hence Vucevic's "B+" progress report. Vucevic has regressed to shooting percentages from the field that he hasn't posted since his rookie year in Philadelphia. Anytime a 7-footer shoots 45% on 2PA attempts, something is going wrong (too many long two's?). Nik's 46% TS% is very low, but definitely weighed down by his 47% FT% (which is strange, but sure to increase of course). His team-leading PER of 19.4 is impressive, but certainly inflated by his rebounding numbers.

Best performance in the last 10 games: 11/1 @ PHI
24 points (11-16), 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block

D.J. Augustin (10 GP), Grade: A- (Top of the Class)

It may seem strange that I'm awarding D.J. Augustin with the highest grade thru the first ten games, but I honestly think he's been the one guy who has consistently filled his role on the roster to the best of his ability, nothing more -€” nothing less.

Augustin was brought in to provide scoring and stability off the bench, and that's exactly what he's done. Augustin is actually the team's leading scorer (18.7) per/36 minutes, and has posted the team's highest offensive +/- (2.1). And the good news is, his long-range shooting numbers still have room to slightly improve by his career standards. I see a lot of Jameer Nelson in D.J. Augustin, although Nelson was a much better team defender.

Best performance in the last 10 games: 11/11 vs. UTAH
19 points (6-10, 3-6), 3 assists

Aaron Gordon (10 GP), Grade: B

There's very little doubt about it, Aaron Gordon is being played out of position. Still, Gordon's play has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise gloomy beginning to the season. Thus far not overwhelmingly excellent in one particular area of his game, Gordon has consistently produced for the Magic across the board in a dependable fashion. His rebounding is definitely down, that's an area (even with Nik or Bismack out there) that he needs to pick up.

At times I wish he would be a little more selfish, at others I really question his shot selection. But then I remember, this third-year rising phenom is still only 21 years old. He's accepting the nightly challenge of guarding the other team's best forward while still remaining relatively efficient on the offensive end of the floor. Aaron played a huge role in the home victory over Sacramento on November 3rd, slowing down veteran Rudy Gay considerably after Gay's hot 1st quarter start to the game. And if you watch the tape, All-Star Jimmy Butler did not convert a single FGA last Monday night when defended by Gordon.

That's who Gordon is right now, an already capable NBA defender, who will only (hopefully) continue to find his niche and improve his craft on offense as his career moves along.

Best performance in the last 10 games: 11/3 vs. Sacramento
13 points (5-10), 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block

Mario Hezonja (8 GP), Grade: F

Woof. Mario doesn't really defend at all, and he doesn't do a whole lot on the court while he's out there on offense besides shoot. So if he doesn't start connecting soon, things are going to get really ugly fast. Is it frustrating for everyone that C.J. Watson and Damjan Rudez have seemingly taken Mario's minutes at the moment? Of course, I'm sure all Magic fans want to see Hezonja succeed.

Yet this Magic fan doesn't blame Coach Vogel for benching Mario, his play hasn't warranted him being out there. But the season is young; he will get more chances. For now, I equate this move to a football coach taking out a young quarterback for a few series to watch what's going on and settle down. For context, Mario's FG%, 3P%, and TS% numbers are all markedly lower than Elfrid Payton's.

Best performance in the last 10 games: 11/5 vs. WAS
9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists

Elfrid Payton (10 GP), Grade: C+

It's difficult sometimes to assess Elfrid Payton. Compared to other back-up PG's around the league, he's had a really nice year so far. But compared to other elite, or even above-average starting PG's in the NBA, not so much.


His numbers are slight improvements already over his own career numbers, but again, the bar is set pretty low. There are times when he kills the Magic; there are other times when he's a difference maker. He shows flashes for fleeting moments in games, then disappears for games at a time against lesser competition. He's a 22 year-old floor general who can't shoot. No one said the road to the playoffs was going to be easy. Is there even a road? And should/can Elfrid be the PG to lead the team there? The Good news -€” his TOV% is dropping each year he's been in the league (20% to 18%, and now 12% TOV%). The Bad news -€” Payton is shooting more three's than he ever has (.25 3PAr), and his defense has not rebounded to even his rookie-season form. It's a given that Payton leads the team in AST per/36 and AST%.

Best performance in the last 10 games: 11/13 @ OKC
23 points, 9 assists, 0 turnovers, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 3's

Frank Vogel (10 GP), Grade: C-

Coaches can't play for the players, so the poor play from a lot of the guys has to factor into this grade as well. But the fact remains, Orlando has gotten off to a horrendous start to the season, and the team is actually very lucky to be sitting at 4-6. The Magic rank in the bottom-5 in the NBA in the following categories: FG%, 2P%, FTM, FT%, Steals, Opponent FG% & Opponent FGM, Opponents OREB, Opponent REB's, and Turnovers forced.

So pretty much, they haven't been able to shoot, or stop anyone from shooting (in the paint mostly, doing a nice job defending the "3"); nor have they been able to get to the free-throw line or convert when they get there. Even worse, they haven't been able to create/force turnovers with any kind of success, which could lead to more scoring opportunities, or box-out with regularity (which could create fast-break opportunities as well). Other than that....geez. The staff has a lot to work on.

Players are listed in order of their annual contract values. Basketball-Reference was used while compiling this information.