Why Joe Ingles is So Valuable for Orlando Magic

Despite the Orlando Magic's success, its unconventional offense might need Joe Ingles' shooting to save them later in the season.

The Orlando Magic is now one of the best teams in the league. It feels weird to say that, after its years of mediocrity, the team rode a nine-game win streak to a 14-6 record, behind just the Boston Celtics. 

Much of the praise goes to the young players, and rightly so. Jamahl Mosley has done an excellent job allowing Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and even rookie Anthony Black to thrive in a system that plays to their strengths. 

One of its strengths is inside and mid-range shooting, which usually doesn't get you far in the modern NBA. Orlando refuses to shoot from deep, and so far it's worked out.

The Orlando Magic had their win streak snapped in Brooklyn.  / Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The Magic is 28th in attempts from distance and 21st in three-point percentage. Usually, the inefficiency and reluctance wouldn't result in wins, but Orlando is showing that their play style is not a concern. 

If things keep going Orlando's way, the team can keep cashing in wins and be a real contender come playoff time. If Orlando starts to slide, it has a secret weapon: Joe Ingles. 

The veteran sharpshooter is only playing 18 minutes per game, the lowest since his second season in the league. His three-point percentage is still a red-hot 39 percent, but he gets fewer looks than ever. 

"Ingles never totally found his stride with the Bucks last season as he made his way back from a torn ACL, but he showed that he can still be a useful player," CBS Sports writes. "The Magic agreed and inked him to a two-year, $22 million deal, which was such a smart move."

His role this season was simple: come off the bench and hit shots when needed. So far, he hasn't really been needed, but he is not a trade chip. If the Magic gets figured out and their interior play style fails, having a tried-and-true sharpshooter is always a good backup.

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If anything, Orlando should double down on this insurance plan and trade for another shooter. If the Magic is serious about making a deep playoff run, having multiple options is key, and Ingles could be one of those key players for Orlando.